The eighth edition of the Whitefield Art Collective, supported by the Yuj Foundation, was inaugurated at VR Bengaluru with the theme ‘Future is Now’, celebrating the intersection of art, culture, and innovation. The month-long festival was inaugurated by Alison Barrett MBE, Director India, British Council, and commenced with the unveiling of the ‘Kala Car’, an artistic creation by Kalki Subramaniam, followed by a Veena recital by Rajesh Vaidhya and a classical dance performance by Srishti Nritya Kala Kuteera students.
This year’s Whitefield Art Collective presents a diverse range of art installations, sculptures, paintings, film, puppetry, photography, and workshops, collaborating with prestigious organizations such as UNESCO, British Council, Arts for the Future Festival (UN), Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, Bangalore University, and Bangalore School of Design.
Curator Sumi Gupta emphasized the festival’s role in fostering cross-cultural engagement and artistic innovation, stating that it is a platform for global artistic voices and transformative experiences.
British Council’s ‘Five Films for Freedom’, in collaboration with BFI Flare, highlights LGBTQIA+ storytelling through short films, advocating inclusivity and cultural dialogue. Additionally, UNESCO’s ‘A Braided River’ exhibition sheds light on the role of women in STEM, while the ‘Climate Science Literacy’ series promotes awareness of climate change and sustainability.
The festival also features a partnership with Chennai Photo Biennale, debuting in Bengaluru with the Hey! Exhibition, showcasing works by differently-abled and neurodivergent artists. Other key highlights include:
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Mapping Bengaluru: A historical photo exhibit by MOD Foundation.
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Bengaluru in Focus: An open-call photography competition capturing the city’s essence.
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The Next Wave: Circular Fashion for a New Era: A sustainable fashion showcase by Reves La Veste & Reves Art Gallery, curated by Prasad Bidappa.
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Young Artists Program & The Basement Art Project: Celebrating student and emerging artists.
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Interactive Experiences: Puppet shows, workshops, an Art Bazaar, and literary events hosted by the Whitefield Literary Society.
Founded in 2016, the Whitefield Art Collective is a thriving platform that celebrates Bengaluru’s artistic diversity, bringing together students, emerging artists, and global institutions to foster cultural dialogue and artistic exchange.
