Arena Animation has successfully concluded the Mumbai edition of Perspectives 2026, its flagship industry engagement platform, bringing together more than 1,000 students, creative professionals, technology experts, and personalities from the media and entertainment industry.
The event also marked 30 years of Arena Animation’s journey in animation, gaming, visual effects and digital media education. Built around the theme of inspiring the next generation of creative professionals, Perspectives 2026 focused on real-world industry insights, AI-powered creative workflows, emerging technologies and career opportunities in the growing AVGC-XR sector.
The day-long event featured keynote sessions, AI demonstrations, celebrity interactions, talent showcases and immersive student experiences. Participants gained insights into the evolving creative economy and the growing role of artificial intelligence in content creation, animation, visual effects, gaming, digital design and filmmaking.
The Mumbai edition featured personalities including Amit Behl, Shantanu Maheshwari, Aditya Deshmukh and Vaibhav More, Director, Designer and Animator. Vaibhav More delivered a special session on the growing use of AI in Animation and VFX.
Vineeth S, Country Manager – Media & Entertainment, Ark Infosolutions, Sandip Weling, Whole-time Director and Chief Business Officer, Global Retail Business, Aptech Limited, and Shajan Samuel, Senior Vice President and National Sales Head, Arena Animation, Aptech Limited, also participated in the event.
The celebrity interactions encouraged students to explore the importance of creativity, perseverance, continuous learning and adaptability in building successful careers in the media and entertainment industry.
The Media & Entertainment Skills Council collaborated as the Industry Partner, while Huion participated as the Technology Partner. These collaborations reflect Arena Animation’s focus on strengthening industry-academia connections and providing students with exposure to evolving technologies, industry standards and career opportunities.
Beyond the learning sessions, Perspectives 2026 also created a festival-like environment for students through Arena’s Got Talent, a Cosplay Ramp Walk, interactive activities, AI showcases and the Khau Gully Food Zone.
The event also highlighted Arena Animation’s focus on integrating emerging technologies into education and encouraging original intellectual property creation through initiatives such as Arena Animation Originals.
Sandip Weling, Whole-time Director and Chief Business Officer, Global Retail Business, Aptech Limited, said Perspectives has evolved into a platform where inspiration meets opportunity. He added that the rapid transformation of the creative economy through AI, immersive technologies and digital storytelling makes direct exposure to industry leaders and technology experts increasingly valuable for students.
Amit Behl said the creative industry offers significant opportunities for young people who are willing to learn, adapt and remain passionate about their craft. He added that the enthusiasm and creativity displayed by Arena Animation students reflect the potential of India’s next generation of storytellers and creators.
Shantanu Maheshwari highlighted the importance of discipline, continuous learning and resilience in turning creative aspirations into successful careers.
As India’s AVGC-XR sector continues to expand, Arena Animation is strengthening its academic ecosystem through AI-enabled workflows, industry partnerships and experiential learning. The institute remains focused on preparing aspiring artists, animators, designers, storytellers and innovators with industry-relevant skills and exposure to emerging creative technologies.
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