It is the most creative and colourful gathering in Sri Lanka’s cultural calendar. An event that has gathered momentum over the years since its inception in 1993, the annual Kala Pola brings the country’s talented artistes and sculptors together on a common platform. This much awaited open-air feast will be held this year on January 23 along the sidewalks of Ananda Coomaraswasmy Mawatha (Green path), Colombo 7 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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| Indral de Silva. Pix by Nilan Maligaspe |
This year’s Kala Pola features some 300 artists and sculptors. A novel feature will be the art auction where the ‘best of best’ creations of some skilled artists who have participated in the event over the years will be on offer.
An artist who has taken part in the Kala Pola for many years, Sujatha Wanamali sharing her experience at a recent news briefing said it is a place where different artists can meet to exchange ideas. “Though individuals hold art exhibitions in galleries, we do not get to mingle with such a large gathering of artists from different parts of the country to share our ideas with each other. In addition there are a lot of artists from faraway places who are unable to organise exhibitions on their own and this is a great opportunity for them to come forward to showcase their talents,” she said.
Artist Indral de Silva said that Kala Pola helps him find a market for the paint and canvases he manufactures. “There is a big demand from my fellow artists,” he said.
Presented by the George Keyt Foundation, the Kala Pola is sponsored by the John Keells Social Responsibility Foundation.
The George Keyt Foundation in its 22 years has played a vital role in promoting and developing visual arts, said its President Cedric de Silva. Organising events like The Young Contemporaries, Nawa Kalakaruwo (The Emerging New Artists) International Artists Camp and the Kala Pola, are some of the valuable initiatives taken by the foundation.
The first Kala Pola, held with just 35 artists saw a tremendous growth in the following years when the number of artists hit the 350 mark a few years ago, according to Mr. de Silva.
Executive Vice President John Keells Holdings and Head of CSR Lalith Ramanayake said JKH is delighted to sponsor the Kala Pola for the 17th consecutive year. “The event is all about creating opportunities for budding artists across the island; to help them display their work and launch their careers,” he said. Mr. Ramanayake said through Kala Pola artists can network with the art loving community and become financially stable by pursuing a career in art.
Although Kala Pola takes place once a year, there are artists who come to the same location on a regular basis, especially during weekends to meet their clientele, he noted adding that they anticipate Kala Pola will be a focal point for tourists as well. |
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