Kerala Lalithakala Akademi maps global ambitions

Kerala Lalithakala Akademi campus in Thrissur. | Photo credit: KK NAJEEB

The newly appointed functionaries of the Kerala Lalithakala Akademi have drawn up an ambitious action plan to transform the state’s premier visual arts institution into a world-class cultural hub.

The decisions were taken at the first meeting of the new governing body, which is chaired by the President of the Academy, prof. Prakash Moorthy, at the Academy headquarters in Thrissur on Thursday.

As part of its plans to expand the reach of visual arts, the Akademi will organize painting, sculpture and digital media camps at major places in Kerala associated with Mahatma Gandhi. The aim of the initiative is to explore the cultural and historical significance of these places through contemporary artistic practices.

Art exchange

The Akademi will also launch ‘Art Exchange’ programs which will showcase the internationally acclaimed works of the late masters of Indian painting and showcase their artistic legacy to national and international audiences.

Aware of the changing landscape of visual arts, the Akademi plans to organize camps and seminars at Kalagramam in Kannur and Raja Ravi Varma Smarakam in Kilimanoor. The programs will focus on new possibilities in the arts and encourage artists to respond to the needs and sensibilities of the present time.

Financial difficulties

The meeting also discussed the financial difficulties of the Academy. The new management decided to turn to the government for urgent financial assistance and at the same time prepare detailed plans to generate independent income for the institution.

The Academy’s galleries will also be given new life through regular exhibitions and artistic activities. As a first step, a curated exhibition titled ‘Punarjani’ featuring selected works from the Akademi’s collection will be held on October 13 at the Kerala Lalithakala Akademi Art Gallery in Vyloppilli Samskriti Bhavan, Thiruvananthapuram.

Vaikom Academy Secretary MK Shibu said the exhibition will mark the beginning of efforts to make the Academy’s gallery spaces vibrant centers of artistic engagement.

Published – 8 Oct 2026 20:17 IST