Karnataka Kalotsava is back after a three-year hiatus, here’s a sneak-peek at what to expect

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Events galore

As the festival returns, it’s going to be full-fledged with over 9 events planned across the city.

Starting on 9 February, 2024, the event will be inaugurated with Sammilana, a dance performance by Rupesh Arangam Dance Ensemble at Samsa Bayalu, Ravindra Kalakshetra.

Invisible Orchestra. (Supplied)

The programmes on the following days include Naam Ghum Jayega ‘Close to my Heart’, a music performance by Ramachandra Hadapad and team at Ravindra Kalakshetra; Gulabi Gang, a Kannada play at Nayana Auditorium, Ravindra Kalakshetra; Invisible Orchestra — a unique blend of world music from Sweden, France, and India at St Joseph’s School auditorium; Sita — A monodrama in Hindi by Anjana Chandak at Level 6; Turnarounds — An English play directed by Prakash Belawadi at BIC Auditorium and Hindustani classical music Dhrupad Duet by Pt. Umakant Gundecha & Sri. Anant Gundecha at Havyaka Sabhabhavan in Malleswaram.

“One of the interesting events is an art camp for Karnataka artists. It will see a few senior artists along with a bunch of upcoming artists, painting live in the gardens of Ravindra Kalakshetra for three days. We are also bringing down the Dhrupad brothers from Bhopal to perform here. Besides, Prakash Belavadi is going to be premiering one of his plays. We are very excited for all this and are expecting a big turn out,” Narayan shares.

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Making art inclusive and accessible

Art Mantram is over two decades old. It was started by retired IPS officer Dr Jija Harisingh and is dedicated to promoting, celebrating, and supporting various forms of art, culture, and creativity. 

With a robust portfolio of events, exhibitions, interactive sessions, and outreach programs, it has made significant contributions to the artistic community, both locally and internationally.

The executive committee at Art Mantram. (artmantram.org)

“We want to create an impact on the cultural landscape of Karnataka. For us, art isn’t just painting but also music, dance, theatre, poetry and everything else. Most importantly, we are not just showcasing it for the elite but everyone,” shares Narayan, adding that the trust also does livelihood projects for the tribal community and programs for underprivileged kids.

“Art is a great healer and we believe that it is for everyone. Our motto is to make it inclusive and accessible to everyone. We have done over 500 events so far,” she adds.

Some of the previous events organised by them include Khelo India University Games— with 21 events, 12 artists, and an impressive audience of 63,000, this sports event served as a platform for talented individuals; Glasshouse Festival — a four-day extravaganza celebrating poetry from over 20 countries; Blue Carpet Gala, Art Auction; Festival of Art, Craft and Design — celebrating contemporary artists, World Craft Day, and hosted exhibitions of handmade products; Anāhata Exhibition — showcasing 49 internationally renowned artists and new talents; Hebbar Centenary Art Festival (2012)— celebrating the birth anniversary of noted artist K K Hebbar, among several others.

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The prospect of a biennale

A lot of artists approach us to be part of the festival, shares Narayan about the curation process.

“Art Mantram is a non-profit and we volunteer our time here. We make sure all the artists are paid. Depending on our budget we choose a mix of senior as well as mid-level artists,” she points out.

Pt Umakant Gundecha and Anant Gundecha (Supplied)

The team makes sure the balance is met in each programme.

She shares, “In the inaugural dance, this time, apart from the two senior dancers, there will also be students performing with them.  At our art exhibitions, even when we have showcased the works of Yusuf Arakkal and SG Vasudev, we have also given the platform to upcoming artists. We want to make sure everyone gets a chance.”

A lot of time and effort is put into organising an event like this, she adds.

“It comes with its own challenges. But the artists we work with know that we are all doing this for our passion. So they help a lot in pulling this off. Since we have limited funds and have to pay all artists, we can’t just hire an event manager and ask them to do everything,” she says adding that an eight-member team does all the work with the mentorship of Dr Harisingh.

The future plan is to make this festival a biennale.

“The event’s already bigger this time. From being fully online, we have become fully offline and have booked multiple venues across the country. For the next edition, we will be doing many more events,” Narayan informs.

From 9 February, 2024 to 24 February, 2024

Venues include Samsa Bayalu, Ravindra Kalakshetra; Nayana Auditorium, Kannada Bhavana, Ravindra Kalakshetra; St Joseph’s auditorium, Richmond Road, Bangalore; Level 6 Above Church Street SOCIAL; BIC Auditorium and Havyaka Sabhabhavan, Malleswaram.

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