Cultural Diary

Kala Pola 2010 Open Air Gallery of Arts

The sidewalks of Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha in Colombo 07, opposite the National Art Gallery will come alive on Sunday 21 February as Sri Lanka's popular open-air art gallery cum art fair 'Kala Pola' explodes into a riot of colour.

Presented by the George Keyt Foundation, "Kala Pola" has continued to enjoy the patronage of the John Keells Group for 16 consecutive years. Launched way back in 1993, Kala Pola drew inspiration from the open air summer art fairs in European capitals such as the legendary Montmartre in Paris. The deep rooted rationale for its existence goes beyond the mere search for fascinating colour, exuberance and camaraderie.

Kala Pola is also a key platform for artists and sculptors to launch and boost their careers. Not only does it help them build a steady clientele, but also promotes art as a lucrative and professional career. Many Kala Pola artists have been successful and have gone onto launch careers in the international arena.This year's Kala Pola will feature over 250 artists and sculptors who will showcase their creativity to a rapidly growing Sri Lankan and expatriate clientele, in an atmosphere filled with music, song, fun and contagious bonhomie.

Kala Pola 2010 kicks off at 10.00 am on Sunday 21 February and will unfold itself through the changing light of the day, bringing a varied palette of colour, sights and sounds to the soul of Colombo, until dusk finally settles over the city skyline.