Kala Pola gets ready for 20th anniversary

'Kala Pola 2013'- the 20th anniversary unveils in Colombo on January 26 and 27 on the sidewalks of Nelum Pokuna Mawatha, Colombo.

The sidewalks of the Nelum Pokuna Mawatha in Colombo will again explode into a riot of colour on the last weekend of this month as Kala Pola 2013 - Sri Lanka's annual art fair - unveils its much anticipated 20th anniversary.

Now a not-to-be-missed event in Colombo's cultural calendar, Kala Pola takes on a greater dimension this year as a two-day event in celebration of its 20th anniversary. Kala Pola 2013 opens on Saturday, January 26 and will be on from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. that day and on Sunday January 27 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

It will be inaugurated by the Ambassador of France in Sri Lanka and the Maldives Christine Robichon. Kala Pola 2013 will also have newer and additional features such as an art auction (Sunday 10.30 a.m. to 12 noon), public lecture series on art (Saturday 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.), Children's art corner (Saturday morning) and cultural entertainment (Saturday 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.).

A few differently-abled children are also expected to engage in art during the two-day art fest. The organisers are in discussion with other private galleries to arrange 'fringe events' around Kala Pola 2013 to add value to tourists and visitors and create an 'art ambience' in Colombo.

Generous patronage

Presented since 1993 by the George Keyt Foundation, Kala Pola has continued to enjoy the generous patronage and strong partnership of the John Keells Group over the years under its corporate social responsibility programme which is committed to supporting the development and promotion of the arts and culture of Sri Lanka. Says the chairman of the George Keyt Foundation Cedric de Silva, "Kala Pola was launched in 1993 drawing inspiration from the open air summer art fairs in European capitals such as the legendary Montmartre in Paris. It has, over the past two decades, been a catalyst in increasing a greater appreciation of art among the public of Sri Lanka.

Not only does it foster the creation and appreciation of good art, but is also a lucrative source of income for the exhibitors. At last year's 'Kala Pola', artists earned approximately Rs. 7 million. We are happy to register the growing numbers of artists and visitors flocking to the sidewalks of Nelum Pokuna Mawatha (formerly Green Path) during Kala Pola. The John Keells Group has been a tremendous source of strength to us during these two decades and we are most thankful for its invaluable patronage".

Key platform

"Kala Pola has always been a key platform for artists and sculptors to launch and build their careers", said John Keells Holdings' Head of CSR Ms. Nadija Tambiah. "Not only does it create a platform for them to showcase and market their creations, but also helps them to build a steady clientele, thereby promoting art as a lucrative and professional career. Kala Pola has been the springboard through which many of these artists have launched successful professional careers and some even in the international arena.

"It is also an occasion for artists to learn from each other and thereby develop and enhance Sri Lankan art (genres, styles). The wider audience that Kala Pola has attracted over the years has also resulted in more and more original art adorning the walls of homes and offices both in Sri Lanka and overseas. The great appreciation and promotion of art within Sri Lanka is core to the objectives of the George Keyt Foundation and the John Keells Group and we are happy to be a part of this exciting endeavour". Over 300 reputed and emerging local painters and sculptors from across the country, including the North and the East, have registered to take part in Kala Pola 2013.

A few participants from the SAARC region have also been invited to promote the exposure of local artists to international works of art. As it has been in previous years, Kala Pola 2013 is free and open to the public. Now a major tourist attraction, it will attract thousands of visitors from all walks of life, from different parts of Sri Lanka and the world. They will all converge on Nelum Pokuna Mawatha over two days to savour its signature ambiance of bonhomie, camaraderie and indulgence in the infectious feeling of an exciting summer art-fest right in the heart of Colombo, Sri Lanka.