Whitefield Art Collective launches its 7th edition

The seventh edition of Whitefield Art Collective with the theme ‘Transcending Boundaries’ will be held from 05 April 2024 to 05 May 2024 at VR Bengaluru, Whitefield, Main Road.

Bengaluru: Whitefield Art Collective the public art festival supported by Yuj Arts Foundation announced the inauguration of its month-long, seventh edition. Whitefield Art Collective 2024 encourages creative explorations around the theme of “Transcencing Boundaries”, through partnerships with leading institutions and notable individuals from the city’s artistic community. The theme was chosen to encourage students to surpass the ordinary and the familiar, inspiring them to create sculptures and artworks that challenge conventional thinking. The festival will feature innovative creations that go beyond the boundaries of time, space, culture, and identity to encourage meaningful conversations.

The Public Art Festivals have enlivened the cultural landscape of multiple Indian cities over the past decade. The upcoming Whitefield Art Collective is set to transform VR Bengaluru into a hub of artistic celebration. This month-long event will encompass a captivating blend of art, culture, cinema, photography, musical performances, and workshops.

The Whitefield Art Collective, established in 2016, is a vibrant showcase of the diverse artistic expressions of Bengaluru. The event brings together students, emerging and renowned artists, and leading institutions in a creative exploration of this year’s theme ‘Transcending Boundaries’ Over 100 art installations, sculptures, paintings, and photographs will be displayed at the festival.

Collaborators this year include partnerships with esteemed institutions like the Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, Bangalore University, and Bangalore School of Design. Red Line and Sara Arakkal gallery have joined forces with the Whitefield Art Collective, alongside organizations like UNESCO and the Iconic Women Project. Additionally, this year Whitefield Art Collective has collaborated with PVR Cinemas for art cinema, Snuggles, Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters for learning art of brewing coffee and Million Dreams Academy for the Young Artists programme. VR Bengaluru is the venue partner, and The Whitefield Art Collective is also supported by The Waverly Hotel and Residences, The Whitefield Arms and Eat India Company.

A key highlight of the Whitefield Art Collective 2024 is a stunning photo exhibition in association with the UNESCO New Delhi office. The exhibition is based on the UNESCO publication “A Braided River: The Universe of Indian Women in Science,” features charismatic portraits of women scientists who have made their mark in various domains of science. In addition to the exhibit, UNESCO will also host a panel discussion at the Whitefield Art Collective.

The festival will be inaugurated on 5th April by eminent flutist and winner of two national film awards Pt. Pravin Godkhindi. The launch will commence with the unveiling of the ‘Kala Car,’ followed by a classical dance performance by students of Vivrtti Dance Company and a flute recital by Pt. Pravin Godkhindi at the Garden City. The evening will culminate with a viewing of ‘Transcending Boundaries’ an art exhibit at a pop-up gallery especially created for the Whitefield Art Collective. The venue partner, VR Bengaluru, will be a hub of artistic activity, with installations, exhibitions, an art bazaar, workshops, the Young Artists program, and several other exciting events.

Sumi Gupta, Curator of Whitefield Art Collective, said, "I am thrilled to steer this fantastic project which has incredible collaborations with student artists and institutions in Bengaluru, creating a vibrant platform for large-scale installations, sculptures, mixed media works, photography, music and dance. Whitefield Art Collective 2024 brings together a community of connoisseurs, art students, patrons as well as the people of Bengaluru in a celebration of the city’s art and culture. Through festivals like these, we not only offer a platform to budding artists but also nurture a sense of belonging and reverence for the city's rich cultural heritage.”

The Whitefield Art Collective will display a retrospective of works by the renowned abstract artists, the Late Achuthan Kadallur and P Gopinath. This year’s Kala Car has been created in collaboration with the multidisciplinary artist Pradeep Kumar whose work is inspired by the narrative forms and decorative elements related to his native culture, the Lambani tribe. The Iconic Women Project by Kadambari Misra, will exhibit photography that bring to life stories of the unsung female icons of our history. Transforming the walls of the parking area at VR Bengaluru into an art gallery, The Basement Art Project will display works of students from Bangalore University.

Various workshops will provide a platform for participants to delve into art and creativity fostering a vibrant atmosphere of learning and knowledge sharing. Through the screening of an art movie by PVR Cinemas, the festival will bring together cinephiles and art enthusiasts, who share a deep interest in art cinema. The Art Bazaar will offer a curated market for artisans to engage with their audience, accompanied by live music.

About VR Bengaluru:

VR Bengaluru, a crown jewel of Virtuous Retail South Asia, offers a unique and integrated lifestyle experience in the heart of the city. Spanning over 900,000 square feet, it boasts a premium retail arcade, a luxurious multiplex with IMAX and Gold Class theaters, a boutique hotel, and collaborative workspaces for businesses of all sizes. Beyond the shopping and entertainment options, VR Bengaluru is a true community hub. Lush landscaping, verdant gardens, and interactive installations create an urban oasis for families and children. The center prioritizes pedestrian access and public transport connectivity, making it a vibrant and accessible space for all.

This multi-award-winning destination is dedicated to celebrating the culture and heritage of Bengaluru. Local and global brands share space, while curated events featuring art, music, and entertainment programs bring the community together. VR Bengaluru strives to be a place inspired by Bengaluru itself – its communities, heritage, and the people who make it the vibrant city it is. For more information, please visit www.vrbengaluru.com and @vrbengaluru on Instagram.

About Public Art Festivals

Established in 2013, the Public Art Festivals are a not-for-profit initiative supported by the Yuj Arts Foundation. Over the past 11 years, the Public Art Festivals have enriched the cultural calendars of several Indian cities. In each edition, partnerships with renowned institutions and eminent artists enable a dynamic art festival rooted in the ethos of the host city.

Since 2013 the Public Art Festivals in collaboration with Virtuous Retail South Asia (VRSA) have hosted 22 art festivals in the cities of Amritsar, Bengaluru, Chennai, Nagpur, Punjab, and Surat