In a significant move that connects art, culture, and innovation across continents, Anil Agarwal, Founder and Chairman of Vedanta Group, will now lead the iconic Riverside Studios. The 100-year-old studio, which is a renowned global centre for arts and located on the north bank of the River Thames in the centre of London, will now operate under the name ‘Anil Agarwal Riverside Studios Trust’. Over its illustrious history, Riverside Studio has hosted prestigious artists from across the world with song recordings by Beatles, performance by David Bowie, presented work by Dario Fo and exhibitedow works by David Hockney, to name a few.
This foray highlights Mr. Agarwal’s personal commitment to fostering creativity and global cultural exchange. His vision, centered on the #ArtInEveryHeart initiative, seeks to make art universally accessible, emphasizing the rich cultural ties between India and the world. With Riverside Studios, Agarwal intends to nurture spaces where innovation and cultural diversity flourish together, creating a dynamic hub for artistic expression that bridges global boundaries.
As a corner stone of art and culture, Riverside Studios has become a symbol of artistic brilliance and cultural diversity. Today, the Studio is a proud host to theatres, performance spaces, recording studios, exhibition space, cinemas with eclectic cafes.
“I have always believed that art has the power to transcend boundaries, unite people, and elevate human experience. Riverside Studios will become a premier global destination for showcasing Indian and global arts and culture. I invite Indian artists and the film fraternity to showcase their artistic talent and cinematic depth at this world-renowned venue for a truly enriching experience. Global leaders from various spheres now have an opportunity to enthral audience with their real-life experiences and journey, here. With these immersive performances, exhibitions, and cinematic showcases, the Studios will celebrate diverse heritage while continuing to host world-class productions from across the globe. I look forward to building a space that not only nurtures creativity but also inspires social change,” said Anil Agarwal, Founder and Chairman of Vedanta Group.
Mr. Agarwal has always supported meaningful initiatives that combine philanthropy with cultural growth. As a passionate supporter of Indian art and culture, he has welcomed and hosted several Indian spiritual leaders, artists, and cultural foundations in the UK. His efforts have helped bring India’s rich traditions of art and spirituality—focusing on the mind, body, and soul—to a global audience, building bridges between India and the world.
The Anil Agarwal Riverside Studios Trust will be a one-of-a-kind cultural centre where visitors can immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of experiences, from world-class theatre productions to prominent art galleries and captivating cinema screenings to contemporary art exhibitions and live performances to hosting Ted Talks. With state-of-the-art facilities, it will attract global entertainment industry leaders, creating opportunities for Indian, British and other international creators to showcase their work.
This milestone holds particular significance for India, as one of the country’s most respected business leaders takes a prominent role in the global arts world. The #ArtInEveryHeart initiative is a testament to Mr. Agarwal’s vision of using art to build cross-cultural empathy and understanding. The takeover of Riverside Studios showcases India’s growing influence in the global cultural landscape, as Indian entrepreneurs contribute to artistic dialogues on the world stage.
This strategic move reflects Mr. Agarwal’s belief that art is a universal language, one that connects individuals across borders and cultures. To mark this historic moment, Riverside Studios will host a grand opening event in 2025, bringing together artists, performers, industry leaders, and art enthusiasts from around the world. In addition to physical events, the Trust will run a series of digital and hybrid art events to expand the venue’s reach and impact.
