After the state government notified formation of the Urban Art Commission in Mumbai, BMC chief Ajoy Mehta appointed Ramanath Jha, former IAS officer, as the chairman of the commission. The committee also engaged six experts from various fields.

The committee wants to develop places in several wards where art and music can be showcased, said officials. While this body will be involved with helping the BMC develop more art-led open spaces, it is also currently brainstorming on how to diversify and spread culture in the city. Mehta has asked ward officials to come up with a list of places where various activities can be held with maximum involvement of the citizens. Members such as architect Ratan Batliboi, sculptor Arzan Khambatta, classical singer Arati Ankalikar-Tikekar, Chandrakant Kulkarni of theatre, history professor Dr Anita Rane-Kothare and visual artist Sanjeev Khandekar are part of the city's urban commission.