Kerala Lalithakala Akademi charts global ambitions

The Kerala Lalithakala Akademi, the State's premier visual arts institution, has unveiled a bold action plan to elevate its status to a global cultural center. During the inaugural meeting of the new governing body chaired by Prof. Prakash Moorthy, the board outlined a series of transformative initiatives to expand the reach of visual arts in Kerala.

Central to the Akademi's vision is a series of artistic camps and seminars to be held at historic sites associated with Mahatma Gandhi across Keralam. These painting, sculpture, and digital media workshops aim to explore the cultural and historical significance of these locations through contemporary artistic practices.

In a bid to bring internationally acclaimed works to Kerala, the Akademi will launch 'Art Exchange' programmes spotlighting late masters of Indian painting. These exhibitions will not only showcase artistic legacy but also take their artistic legacy to national and international audiences. Recognizing the evolving nature of visual arts, the Akademi plans to organize camps and seminars at Kalagramam in Kannur and Raja Ravi Varma Smarakam in Kilimanoor, encouraging artists to respond to the needs and sensibilities of the contemporary era.

The new leadership also addressed the Akademi's financial challenges. The governing body decided to seek urgent financial assistance from the government while simultaneously formulating plans to generate independent revenue for the institution. The Akademi's galleries are set to receive a new lease of life through regular exhibitions and artistic activities, starting with a curated exhibition titled 'Punarjani' featuring selected works from the Akademi's collection.

The exhibition will open on October 13 at the Kerala Lalithakala Akademi Art Gallery in Thiruvananthapuram. Akademi secretary Vaikom M.K. Shibu emphasized that the exhibition marks the beginning of efforts to make the gallery spaces vibrant centers of artistic engagement.