The long-awaited return of Namma Art Bengaluru is all set to illuminate the city’s cultural landscape once again. From May 28 to June 1, 2025, the legendary Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath (CKP) will be hosting this vibrant, open-to-all art fest that will see participation from more than 150 artists across a wide variety of genres.
With the Department of Tourism’s backing, this national art fair has a bias towards showcasing emerging and established artists as well, presenting a complete experience for all age groups.
A Celebration Beyond Canvas
Unlike conventional exhibitions, Namma Art Bengaluru is a community-centric celebration of creativity. It’s designed not just as a viewing experience but as a platform where dialogue, learning, and inspiration are in constant motion. The CKP campus will transform into a living, breathing art hub — bustling with indoor galleries, outdoor installations, and live demonstrations. The goal? To democratize art by eliminating financial and social barriers that often make such spaces feel exclusive.
According to organizers, this year’s festival will include interactive workshops, lectures, art talks, and performance art that welcome participation and promote artistic literacy. Visitors can expect to interact with artists and witness the creative process first-hand.
Spotlight on New Voices and Regional Flavours
A key highlight of the event is its dedication to early-career and mid-career artists from across eight Indian states. With a stall fee of ₹25,000, over 100 such artists are set to exhibit their work, giving them a rare opportunity to showcase on a national platform.
Notably, there will be a specially curated exhibition by veteran Indian artists like S.G. Vasudev, Rekha Rodwittiya, and K.S. Kulkarni, whose contributions to Indian contemporary art are globally recognized. This sensitive curation of established hands and fresh hands will open up a multi-generational conversation in the art fraternity — a special hallmark of the year’s edition.
B.L. Shankar, President of CKP, emphasized the festival’s mission: “We’re not only presenting art; we’re curating an ecosystem for exchange, visibility, and growth for India’s vibrant visual arts community.”
Beyond Galleries: A Festival for the People
Between 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., the fair welcomes students, art enthusiasts, tourists, and collectors to experience the new face of Indian art. Entry is absolutely free of charge, and it is one of the most accessible and open cultural events in the nation.
Live painting sessions, rapid art demonstrations, and panel discussions will be providing live art interaction. All of them will try to bridge the gap between artists and viewers by giving them a vision of what works in the minds, skills, and intentions behind each work.
Registration on-site starts on May 27 evening and designated parking spaces will be available at Sevadal Grounds, Kumara Krupa, and Crescent Road.
A Cultural Landmark for Bengaluru
Namma Art Bengaluru is not just a festival; it is a movement towards making visual art a civic experience for all. It puts Bengaluru on the national map of culture by showcasing the city as a city in which tradition blends with innovation.
Art collector Harish Padmanabha, part of the organizing committee, said, “This is not a commercial fair. We’re stressing on value over price, experience over transaction. The focus is on connecting the artist’s vision with the audience’s curiosity.”
Event Details
Where: Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, Bengaluru
When: May 28 – June 1, 2025
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free for all
Inaugural: May 28, 4:30 p.m. by H.K. Patil, Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Legislation and Tourism
