The fair that brings art and artists to the people
It’s that time of year when art lovers head to GreenPath (Nelum Pokuna Mawatha) looking for a work of art that would capture their hearts. Kala
Head Table- (left to right) :Trustees of the GKF Arun Dias Bandaranaike and Michael Anthonisz, Deputy Chairman of GKF Nihal Rodrigo, Chairman of the GKF Cedric de Silva, Head of CSR at John Keells Holdings PLC Nadija Tambiah, artists Jagath Ravindra, Chritha Lay and R. Pragash. Pic by Susantha Liyanawatte
Pola 2015, Sri Lanka’s internationally acclaimed open air art fair and festival will take place for the 22nd time on Sunday, January 25, from 8 a.m. till 9 p.m.
Kala Pola, as in the past, is organised by the George Keyt Foundation (GKF) together with the John Keells Group. Thousands of visitors are expected this year as well and more than 300 artists will be showcasing their art as Kala Pola is well known for providing an 
opportunity for the artists to meet the public as well as each other. The organisers also want to make it an opportunity for the younger generation to recognise and appreciate Sri Lankan art as well as provide a platform for young artists to display their work.
“A real Sri Lankan and great patriot, George Keyt was an art revolutionary who defined Sri Lankan art,” said Trustee of the George Keyt Foundation, Arun Dias Bandaranaike. It was to commemorate his sterling contribution to Sri Lankan art that Prof. S. B. Dissanayake held the first Kala Pola in 1993, the year following Keyt’s death.
“Kala Pola has played a pivotal role these past two decades as a successful catalyst in enhancing a keener appreciation of art among the public of Sri Lanka. Kala Pola is also a lucrative source of income for the artists,” affirms the chairman of the George Keyt Foundation, Cedric de Silva.
“Kala Pola is building a bridge between artists and society as well as art enthusiasts. It has been a foundation for the open air art fair concept in our region. Kala Pola has also created a culture for art in Sri Lanka. Unlike an exhibition, it provides a market for artists to sell their art and for buyers to talk to the artists and understand the meaning of their work and what made the artist draw it. It brings art closer to the public,” says artist Jagath Ravindra who has been taking part in the Kala Pola since its inception in 1993.
When Green Path comes alive with Kala Pola. File pix