Whitefield Art Collective to Launch its Eighth Edition

The eighth edition of Whitefield Art Collective with the theme ‘Future is Now’ will be held from 27^th March 2025 to 28^th April 2025 at VR Bengaluru, Whitefield, Main Road.

The Whitefield Art Collective, supported by the Yuj Foundation, will commence on 27^th March 2025. This year’s theme, ‘Future is Now’, invites viewers to engage with the art and ideas shaping tomorrow. We are thrilled to have Ms. Alison Barrett MBE - Director India, British Council inaugurate the festival. The evening will feature the unveiling of the ‘Kala Car,’ an artistic creation by Kalki Subramaniam, a renowned LGBTQ+ activist, artist, writer, and poet. This will be followed by a mesmerizing Veena recital by maestro Rajesh Vaidhya and a classical dance performance by the students of Srishti Nritya Kala Kuteera.

The eighth Whitefield Art Collective will showcase art installations, sculptures, paintings, film, puppetry, photography and workshops. Collaborators include global organizations such as the UNESCO, British Council, and the New York-based Arts for the Future Festival (powered by the United Nations Civil Society Conference), alongside esteemed institutions like Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, Bangalore University, and Bangalore School of Design.

Whitefield Art Collective features a special collaboration with the Chennai Photo Biennale, which debuts in Bengaluru with their Hey! Exhibition of works by differently abled individuals and neurodivergent artists that now travels from the biennale to VR Bengaluru.

A partnership with the British Council has enabled us to present ‘Five Films for Freedom’. This global initiative, in collaboration with BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival, features five LGBTQIA+-themed short films that foster conversations on inclusivity, cultural exchange, and love as a fundamental human right. Screenings begin on March 23, 2025, at VR Bengaluru.

Diverse artworks including paintings from Gita Hudson's Sunflower Series and Korean artist Soonyoung Yang's Through the Window offer unique perspectives. A photo exhibit, Mapping Bengaluru by MOD Foundation, will explore the city's origins through archival maps. The ever-popular Bengaluru in Focus returns this year with entries selected through an open call, capturing the essence of the city.

The Young Artists Program, a competition for budding young artists, and The Basement Art Project, showcasing works by student artists from Bangalore University, once again return to celebrate creativity and emerging talent. Visitors can enjoy a puppet show and workshop, offering a uniquely interactive experience. The Art Bazaar will create spaces for artisans to engage directly with their audience, enriching the cultural celebration. Whitefield Literary Society will have literary events for book lovers throughout the festival.

Established in 2016, the Whitefield Art Collective has become a vibrant platform celebrating Bengaluru’s artistic diversity, bringing together students, emerging talents, and renowned artists alongside global and local institutions. Various workshops will encourage participants to explore their creative potential, fostering a dynamic atmosphere of learning and artistic exchange.

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 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 26 art festivals in the cities of Amritsar, Bengaluru, Chennai, Nagpur, Punjab, and Surat