In a city teeming with concrete jungles, Space118 feels like an oasis of creativity where artists find solace, support and inspiration. Saloni Doshi, the visionary behind the sprawling four-acre haven in South Mumbai, describes it as her go-to creative space. Since its inception, Space118 has been home to budding artists from all over the country. Post-pandemic, it runs as a grant-making organisation that hosts fundraiser shows. In a conversation with ELLE, Doshi shares her vision for Space118 and reflects on its impact on the art world since its establishment in 2009.
ELLE: What inspired you to convert part of your warehouse space into Space118 studio?
Saloni Doshi (SD): Early on in my life, I interned for nine months at Osians, the then-auction house, where I was in charge of researching and documenting the archive of books and paintings. This experience led me to fall in love with art. I was 23, and I’d already started buying art. It was a passion that became an obsession and later my profession.
I didn’t want to become a gallerist, and I was also not an artist. So, I started this unique thing: giving out free space to artists. I did it for 13 years. Over 450 artists from India and abroad came, lived, and worked here. That was the germination of Space118.
ELLE: What has your journey been like, from being an art patron and collector to transitioning into a grant-making and fundraising organisation?
SD: I consider collecting a personal habit. I don’t know whether it’s good or bad, but it’s a habit. My collection and the grant have always supported young talent from the country. The younger you are, the more excited I am. Whether it’s to buy your work, support you, or give you a grant.
ELLE: How has the Space118 Fine Arts Grant impacted emerging artists?
SD: I just finished going through the grant applications for this year, and each time around, it gives me a lot of joy. The artists that apply come from all over the country. Most of them apply for this grant for the mentorship sessions, not for the money. As we speak today, one of our grantees, Chris Basumatary, is opening his solo show at Shrine Empire in Delhi.
ELLE: How do you envision the future of Space118?
SD: I would like to leave behind a trust where the legacy continues. We would not only give fine arts grants but also curatorial and travel research grants to international curators, encouraging them to come to India.
ELLE: What personal experiences or passions drove you to become actively involved in supporting emerging artists and the arts community?
SD: My grandfather was always a giver and philanthropist. He taught us that if you get so much, learn to give. Because when you give, you’ll get ten times more. From a very young age, I followed that. So, a large part of my life has gone towards this. Today, seeing our artists’ independent shows is just something else. That’s what keeps me going.
ELLE: How do you see Space118 contributing to the broader cultural landscape of Mumbai and India?
SD: I see Space118 putting Indian artists on the world map and collectors’ homes. It also aims to demystify the notion that art is a commodity, an expensive thing, or something you can’t buy. As I said, I was young when I started buying art, and it was a lonely journey. All I used to hear was my parents complaining about how much money I spent on art. Nobody understood it. I want future collectors to have something other than that. I want to bring about awareness and education in the arts, whether it’s for the artists or the collectors.
Read the full story on ELLE India’s new issue, or download your digital copy via Magzter.
