Bengaluru, March 27, 2025 – The Whitefield Art Collective, powered by the Yuj Foundation, inaugurated its highly anticipated eighth edition today at VR Bengaluru, Whitefield, under the theme “Future is Now.” This month-long festival, running from March 27th to March 30th, 2025, invites audiences to contemplate the evolving landscape of art and ideas shaping our future.
Ms. Alison Barrett MBE, Director India, British Council, officially opened the collective, highlighting the transformative power of art in connecting communities and driving change. The inauguration featured the unveiling of Kalki Subramaniam’s “Kala Car,” a vibrant artistic expression by the renowned LGBTQ+ activist, artist, writer, and poet, symbolizing inclusivity and creative expression. The ceremony also included a traditional lamp lighting, a mesmerizing Veena recital by maestro Rajesh Vaidhya, and a captivating classical dance performance by students of Srishti Nritya Kala Kuteera.
This year’s collective showcases a diverse range of artistic mediums, including installations, sculptures, paintings, film, puppetry, photography, and interactive workshops. Collaborations with global organizations such as UNESCO, the British Council, and the New York-based Arts for the Future Festival (powered by the United Nations Civil Society Conference), alongside esteemed local institutions like Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, Bangalore University, and Bangalore School of Design, enrich the festival’s scope.
“The Whitefield Art Collective has evolved into a dynamic platform that fosters cross-cultural engagement and artistic innovation,” said Sumi Gupta, curator of the Whitefield Art Collective. “This edition, ‘Future is Now,’ encourages us to explore the profound impact art has on dialogue, inclusivity, and cultural exchange, while ensuring it remains an integral part of our collective experience.”
Alison Barrett MBE emphasized, “The British Council is proud to support this vibrant festival, particularly through our ‘Five Films for Freedom’ initiative, which champions LGBTQIA+ stories. We believe art and creativity are essential for building a more inclusive and connected future.”
Tim Curtis, Director and Representative, UNESCO Regional Office for South Asia, highlighted the importance of addressing critical global issues through art, stating, “Exhibitions like ‘A Braided River: The Universe of Indian Women in Science’ and ‘Climate Science Literacy’ aim to promote equity and understanding in vital fields.”
Key highlights of the 8th edition include:
- Five Films for Freedom: A British Council collaboration featuring LGBTQIA+ themed short films, screened until March 30th, 2025.
- Chennai Photo Biennale’s “Hey!” Exhibition: Showcasing works by differently abled individuals and neurodivergent artists.
- Diverse Art Exhibits: Featuring paintings from Gita Hudson’s Sunflower Series, Soonyoung Yang’s “Through the Window,” and MOD Foundation’s “Mapping Bengaluru.”
- Bengaluru in Focus: An open-call photography exhibit capturing the city’s essence.
- The Next Wave: Circular Fashion for a New Era: A fashion walk curated by Prasad Bidappa, highlighting sustainable fashion.
- Young Artists Program and Basement Art Project: Showcasing emerging talent.
- Puppet Show and Workshop: Offering interactive experiences.
- Art Bazaar: Creating direct engagement between artisans and the public.
- Whitefield Literary Society Events: Catering to book lovers throughout the festival.
Siddharth Yog, Founder of Virtuous Retail and Chief Patron of Yuj Foundation, reiterated the initiative’s commitment to fostering artistic exchange and cultural dialogue.
The Whitefield Art Collective invites art enthusiasts, students, and the general public to experience the transformative power of art and engage with the ideas shaping our future.
