Sri Lanka’s most anticipated open-air art fair, Kala Pola, is set to unfold for its 32nd edition on Sunday, 16th February 2025, at Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha (Green Path), Colombo 07. With its unique offering of artistic diversity and creativity, this year’s event, which boasts a legacy of more than thirty years of promoting local visual art, is expected to be even more captivating than before.
Kala Pola, conceptualised and introduced by The George Keyt Foundation in 1993 and sponsored and co-presented by the John Keells Group through an unbroken patronage since 1994, has evolved as a must-visit event in the Colombo art calendar. This uncurated event plays host to a wide array of painters, sculptors, portrait artists, and cartoonists of all levels, providing them with the opportunity to showcase their work, connect with art enthusiasts, learn from and network with other artists, and expand their clientele.
Malaka Talwatte, the Chairperson of the George Keyt Foundation, highlighted the importance of the event, stating: “Kala Pola has developed over the past three decades into a thriving event that supports Sri Lankan art while providing our artists with opportunities that have the potential to change their lives. It is evidence of the enduring ability of art to uplift, inspire, and bring people together.”
Carmeline Jayasuriya, Head of CSR of the John Keells Group, added: “Kala Pola is not merely an art fair, but a celebration of Sri Lankan talent, culture, and community. We are proud to be associated with this event for the 31st year, reiterating our dedication to empowering local artists as we recognise their immense potential to catalyse the creative economy of the nation, as well as the overall role of art and culture in promoting critical conversations that enhance the social health and cohesion of our people.”
Kala Pola displays a broad variety of forms and styles, ranging from intricate sculptures, humorous caricatures, and abstract paintings to modern and traditional Sri Lankan art. Attracting art lovers, collectors, connoisseurs, and students from all parts of the country and tourists from various parts of the world, the event creates a vibrant, welcoming, and wholesome atmosphere spurred by music, camaraderie, art discussions, and cultural exchange.
Occurring in the midst of a series of art and culture events in Sri Lanka, Kala Pola is a one-of-a-kind open-air art fair which continues to feature a wide range of uncurated visual art with artists, whether senior or emerging, provided equal opportunity for marketing their creations, while catering to varied tastes and budgets of visitors, thus enabling artists and visitors a unique art experience.
Art and Culture fall within the ‘Social Health and Cohesion’ focus area of John Keells Foundation – the CSR entity of John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH), the largest conglomerate listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange, operating with over 80 companies in 7 diverse industry sectors. With a history of over 150 years, the John Keells Group provides employment to over 15,000 persons and has been ranked as Sri Lanka’s ‘Most Respected Entity’ for the last 19 Years by LMD magazine. John Keells Holdings PLC was ranked first for the fourth consecutive year in the ‘Transparency in Corporate Reporting Assessment’ by Transparency International Sri Lanka. Whilst being a full member of the World Economic Forum and a participant of the UN Global Compact, JKH drives its CSR vision of “Empowering the Nation for Tomorrow” through John Keells Foundation and through the social entrepreneurship initiative, ‘Plasticcycle’, which is a catalyst in significantly reducing plastic pollution in Sri Lanka.
