Festivals

FESTIVALS: CELEBRATING INDIA'S EMERGING ARTISTIC VOICES

by Editorial Desk March 5 2025, 12:00 am Estimated Reading Time: 2 mins, 55 secs

Celebrating the transformative power of art, the Kalanand Grants Exhibition 2024-2025 spotlights India’s most promising emerging artists, fostering creativity, diversity, and artistic excellence through a visionary grant programme and a prestigious showcase. The #Newsdesk reports…

The Kalanand Grants Exhibition 2024-2025 at Kamalnayan Bajaj Art Gallery celebrates India’s emerging artistic talent, featuring 21 outstanding works across Painting, Drawing, Printmaking, Ceramics, Sculpture, Tapestry, and Natural Medium art. Organized by the Prafulla Dahanukar Art Foundation, this exhibition highlights the best contemporary art in India, selected through a blind jury process from over 200 submissions nationwide. As one of India’s most impactful art grants, Kalanand empowers artists by providing recognition, exposure, and career opportunities. Running from 2-8 March 2025, this free art exhibition in Mumbai is an unmissable event for art lovers, collectors, and industry professionals looking to explore the future of Indian contemporary art.

A Showcase of India’s Next Artistic Wave

The Prafulla Dahanukar Art Foundation presents the 2024-2025 Kalanand Grants Exhibition, a powerful display of India's emerging artistic voices. Featuring 21 exceptional works from this year's 24 grant recipients, this exhibition spans six diverse categories: Painting, Drawing, Printmaking, Ceramics, Sculpture, Tapestry, and Natural Medium art. Chosen from over 200 submissions nationwide, these artists represent the future of Indian art, bringing perspectives that range from urban landscapes to the most remote regions of the country.

Kalanand Grants: A Decade-Long Commitment to Artistic Excellence

Marking its eleventh year, the Kalanand Grants Programme is a beacon of support for India’s rising artists. Designed as an innovative online platform, the programme transcends geographical limitations, offering vital opportunities for artistic growth and visibility.

What sets the selection process apart is its artistic integrity—a blind jury evaluation conducted by a panel of three eminent art historians, critics, and established artists. Each submission undergoes rigorous scoring based on an objective rubric, ensuring that only the most exceptional and original works make it to the final showcase—without any knowledge of the artists’ identities.

The Foundation’s Vision and Impact

The Prafulla Dahanukar Art Foundation, a non-profit organization, is committed to fostering a vibrant and inclusive artistic ecosystem in India. By bridging the gap between emerging talents and prestigious exhibition opportunities, the Foundation nurtures a space where young artists receive the recognition, exposure, and support they need to flourish. Initiatives like the Kalanand Grants have played a pivotal role in shaping the contemporary art landscape, elevating undiscovered talent to national recognition.

Gopika Dahanukar, daughter of Prafulla Dahanukar and co-founder of the Foundation alongside her sister Gauri and their late father Dilip Dahanukar, shares her thoughts on the impact of the grants:

"My mother, Prafulla Dahanukar, believed that art has the power to transcend boundaries and transform lives. Through the Kalanand Grants, we continue her legacy by nurturing the next generation of Indian artists. This exhibition is not just a celebration of artistic excellence but a testament to the creativity, resilience, and promise of these emerging voices."

Experience the Exhibition

• Exhibition Dates: 2 - 8 March 2025
• Location: Kamalnayan Bajaj Art Gallery
• Gallery Hours: 11 AM - 7 PM
• Admission: Free and open to the public

The Prafulla Dahanukar Art Foundation extends its deepest gratitude to Kamalnayan Bajaj Art Gallery for their partnership in bringing this inspiring exhibition to life.

This is more than just an exhibition—it is a celebration of talent, dedication, and the boundless possibilities that Indian art holds for the future. Join us in witnessing the evolution of India’s next generation of artists.