KALA returns to build more ties with South Asian art
Championing the sustainable development of art ecosystems, KALA focuses on highlighting Sri Lankan and regional art initiatives to a local and international audience.
KALA is collaborating with the University of Visual and Performing Arts (UVPA), Colombo to celebrate its 75th anniversary. The UVPA’s illustrious history, dates back to 1893. KALA pays homage to its early leaders such as J.D.A. Perera, Stanley Abeysinghe, David Paynter and Tissa Ranasinghe, whose pioneering contributions shaped Sri Lanka’s artistic identity.
A work by residency artist Dr Seema Shah
In keeping with KALA’s commitment to fostering collaboration and community engagement, founding partner Cinnamon Life – at City of Dreams will host bespoke events, talks, and workshops throughout the programme.
KALA’s exhibition of Sri Lankan modern and contemporary, ‘Pivot Glide Echo’, continues with this edition curated by KALA Assistant Curator, Mariyam Begum and supported by The Rukmini Tissanayagam Trust. The exhibition showcases the works of modern and contemporary artists while highlighting the resonances they share in themes, social concerns, and explorations of artistic practice with a homage to the masters of Heywood: J.D.A. Perera, Stanley Abeysinghe, Tissa Ranasinghe and David Paynter.
The exhibition will feature: Ena De Silva, H. A. Karunaratne, Jagath Ravindra, Chandraguptha Thenuwara, Priyantha Udagedara,Thamotharampillai Sanathanan, Tilak Samarawickrema, Pala Pothupitiya, Dominic Sansoni, Laki Senanayake and Jagath Weerasinghe.
KALA Commune, a South Asian residency programme inviting regional practitioners to Sri Lanka will take place at the University of Visual and Performing Arts from January 15-February 15. The residency will conclude with the first open studio at the university alongside the KALA Commune Open Studio Exhibition curated by Mandira Ranathunga Assistant Lecturer History & Theory of Art at the UPVA. Both curators have been mentored by KALA Curatorial Advisor Sandhini Poddar.
UVPA Art Studio
The Open Studio Exhibition will feature artists-in-residence: Ahmed Rasel from Bangladesh, Chandra Bhattacharjee and Pankaj Panwar from India, Ahmed Javed from Pakistan, Seema Sharma Shah from Nepal, as well as Rinoshan Susiman and Hema Shironi from Sri Lanka.
Following the success of last year’s KALA x ASAP series of talks and workshops, KALA 2025 continues to collaborate with the Art South Asia Project (ASAP), a UK-based arts education and development non-profit, committed to creating initiatives that serve South Asia and its diasporas.
The 2025 KALA x ASAP programme includes public talks and private workshops that highlight the vital relationships artists build within the art ecosystem—whether with patrons, commercial galleries, or through their own peers. This series aims to provide invaluable insights and specialised perspectives for the artistic community in Sri Lanka and beyond. This year’s KALA x ASAP will be supported once again by Faizal and Shabana Foundation .
The Asia Society will also contribute to the programming calendar, bringing its expansive expertise in South Asian arts, culture, and geopolitics. Leveraging local expertise, GOOD LIFE X will provide strategic guidance for the KALA Commune residency and associated public events, ensuring that all elements reflect both the Sri Lankan context and wider South Asian perspectives.
Ensuring greater participation from students and arts communities across Sri Lanka, KALA will host art students from universities nationwide, for the week of events, workshops and exhibitions.
KALA will continue to serve as a platform that is committed to showcasing South Asian modern and contemporary art, originating from both the local and diasporic arts community.
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