Artist Empowerment

Lalit Kala Academy has inaugurated the 64th National Exhibition of Art (NEA) with a focus on the artist empowerment. It is for the first time that the award-winning art works are available for sale. This is based on the policy to uphold India’s commitment for the cultural mapping and supporting the artists to safeguard their livelihood. The decision to allow the sale of the art works is indeed a landmark one. The thrust has been given to integrate the artists for fostering a culture of art acquisition in India. This move is aligned with the Government of India’s national Mission on Cultural Mapping that aims to identify, support and sustain the artistic talent across the nation. The Union Minister for Culture and Tourism while speaking on the occasion underlined that the exhibition is not just a display of artworks, but a vibrant cultural platform showcasing the talent of emerging and established artists from across the country. It beautifully brings together contemporary, traditional, folk, and tribal art, reflecting the diversity and richness of Indian artistic expression. Substantiating the relevance of the art and the art works, he said, “It gives me immense satisfaction to note that this year, the Akademi has taken a significant step by encouraging the sale of artworks. This forward-looking move promotes self-reliance among artists and strengthens our creative economy. In today’s time, where art, culture, and economic development are increasingly interlinked, such initiatives are both timely and visionary. Art is no longer confined to galleries and museums; it is a medium of social transformation. From education and tourism to employment and inclusion, the role of art is expanding rapidly. Therefore, empowering our artists and connecting their work to sustainable opportunities must be a core part of our cultural policy and I am glad to see Lalit Kala Akademi leading that change.” Giving the brief about the event, Secretary Ministry of Culture, Vivek Aggarwal said that the 64th National Exhibition of Art showcases a rich collection of exceptional artworks from across the country, created in diverse mediums. This not only reflects the vastness and diversity of Indian art but also provides a meaningful platform for creative dialogue among artists. The Akademi’s initiative to bring emerging and established artists together through such exhibitions is truly commendable. Amita Prasad Sarabhai, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Culture underlined that this prestigious exhibition stands as a testament to the vibrant creative spirit of our nation and reflects the Akademi’s steadfast dedication to fostering artistic innovation and excellence. The diverse and dynamic range of artworks on display showcases the evolving narrative of Indian art, while remaining deeply anchored in its rich cultural traditions. It is pertinent to mention that this year’s NEA features a curated selection of 283 artworks, chosen from over 5,900 submissions received from across India through a rigorous two-tier jury process. The mediums on display span painting, sculpture, graphics, installation, photography, and more showcasing the diversity and depth of Indian artistic expression. This year’s NEA features a curated selection of 283 artworks, chosen from over 5,900 submissions received from across India through a rigorous two-tier jury process. The mediums on display span painting, sculpture, graphics, installation, photography, and more showcasing the diversity and depth of Indian artistic expression. Indeed this event will serve to safeguard the interests of the artists and their art.