Matara Festival for the Arts (MFA) from Feb 1-4

Features

● February 1- 4: An Exploration of "The Past of the Present" by 12 contemporary artists; the debut of Art for Community Project by 8 Matara artists; Exciting Workshops, Dialogues and Screenings.

● Extended Programmes at the University of Ruhuna with the National Trust & George Keyt Foundation

● Main exhibit to continue to Feb 10th, to provide art access to Matara & South Coast community - particularly youth

Top L - R: Anura Krishantha, Bandu Mamamperi, Bilaal Raji Saheed, Firi Rahman, Hema Shironi & Janani Cooray. Bottom L-R: Muvindu Binoy, Pala Pothupitiye, Pradeep Chandrasiri, Priyanthi Anusha, Sivasubramaniam Kajendran, Sujeewa Kumari.

Get ready for an immersive journey into the vibrant world of contemporary Sri Lankan art as the Matara Festival for the Arts unveils its dynamic inaugural programme. From February1- 4, the festival will transform the historic Matara Fort into a hub of artistic exploration.

Curated by renowned artist and archaeologist Prof. Jagath Weerasinghe, the centrepiece of the programme is the exhibition "Past of the Present: Sri Lankan Art Against Selective Amnesia". This thought-provoking show features the works of 12 prominent Sri Lankan artists, including Matara's own Pala Pothupitiye and Anura Krishantha, as well as Bandu Manamperi, Bilaal Raji Saheed, Firi Rahman, Hema Shironi, Janani Cooray, Muvindu Binoy, Pradeep Chandrasiri, Priyanthi Anusha, Sivasubramaniam Kajendran, and Sujeewa Kumari.

Through their diverse artistic expressions, these artists engage with the legacy of resistance to forgetting that emerged in the 1990s and continues to resonate in the present day. Their work unveils layers of defiance against selective erasure, prompting critical discourse on historical memory, art's role in social change, and the complexities of class dynamics in Sri Lanka.

Community Artists: (Lead Artists) Adeesha Erangi, Amani Ariyarathna, Hasini Abraham & Kethmin Dilshan; (Supporting Artists) Dhanushka Wijewardhana, Prabhathini Munasinghe, Nuraj Kalpa, Thenuka Vihanga

Adding another layer to the artistic tapestry is a community art project created by 8 Matara artists under the mentorship of Prof. Weerasinghe and other established artists. This delves into the essential work and the people of the municipal council of Matara and will invigorate discussion on larger themes of dignity of work, sustainable consumption, and our environmental responsibility. The project not only fosters artistic growth for the young artists but also enriches the festival's engagement with the local community.

John Keells Foundation is a Patron Sponsor of the Festival and provides funding support for the festival’s Art component.
Beyond the exhibitions, the festival offers a dynamic programme of workshops and discussions curated by Randhula de Silva. Participants will be able to engage with diverse individuals like self-taught artist Mayun Kaluthantri, sustainable jewellery designer Sara Nazoor, surf enthusiast Leandro Filippin, and filmmaker Theena Kumaragurunathan.

Along with the National Trust of Sri Lanka there will be a special exhibition on Scottish photographer and artist Edward Atkinson Hornel at the Geoffrey Bawa-designed University of Ruhuna, offering a fascinating glimpse into Sri Lanka's colonial past and its artistic influences.

Priyantha Udagedara, supported by the George Keyt Foundation, will introduce visitors to the vibrant world of contemporary Sri Lankan art through a special presentation at the University. Additionally, the University will host discussions curated by Randhula de Silva.

The Old Matara High Court exhibition will be open to the public from February 3rd to 10th, from 10 am to 4 pm. Workshops and discussions will take place on February 1st (at the University of Ruhuna) and 3rd (at the Old High Court in the Matara Fort).
For more information and updates, please follow the festival @MataraForArts on Instagram and Facebook, and join the link to the Festival’s Whatsapp Community to receive all programming details and guiding support on Matara delivered directly to your phone.