Mumbai to host WAVES May 1–4, now permanent venue

Mumbai

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that the first World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) will be held in Mumbai from May 1 to 4. He confirmed that Mumbai will serve as the permanent venue for this annual global event, which aims to strengthen the rapidly growing creative economy by creating more jobs and wealth.

Around 5,000 delegates from 100 countries are expected to attend the summit. Fadnavis also shared that the Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT) will be set up in Film City. For this project, the state and central governments have signed an MoU. He added that a 240-acre plot owned by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry in Malad will be developed for film production and post-production activities.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw earlier highlighted that WAVES will support creative talent through 31 Create in India challenges. These challenges have already shortlisted over 400 creators in areas like animation, comics, music, gaming, visual effects, and broadcasting. The aim is to turn their ideas into market-ready products while ensuring their intellectual property rights are protected.

More than 725 creators are expected to showcase their work at the summit. The event is expected to position Mumbai as a global hub for entertainment, encouraging investment and innovation in the sector.