✨ A4A Production Fund 2025/2026 Grantees Announced ✨

We are proud to present the recipients of the third edition of the A4A Production Fund — Sri Lanka’s first publicly funded arts grant.

This year’s grantees are:
Darshi Rathnayake (@darshani.rathnayake)
Rajitha Rupasinghe (@rupasinghe_jr_)
Catharina Danial (@catharina07d)
Kavishwara Jayasekara (@jkinstrgram)

Our heartfelt thanks to this year’s judges — Jaya Asokan (India Art Fair), Theseus Chan (WORK/WERK Magazine), Selyna Peiris (Selyn Group), and Andrea Tomasi (Michelangelo Foundation) — whose expertise in craft, design, and cultural practice guided this year’s selection process.

@jayaasokan @theseuschanwork @selpeiris @andrea.g.tomasi

Congratulations to the grantees — we look forward to starting our mentorship programme with each artist.

Announcing the judges for the 3rd edition of A4A (Artist for Artist) Production Fund.

✨ Jaya Asokan – Fair Director, India Art Fair (IAF) - South Asia’s leading platform to discover modern and contemporary art. With nearly three decades of experience across art, design, and luxury, Jaya has introduced pioneering formats such as Collectible Design and expanded global partnerships, while placing Indian craft and material traditions at the heart of international conversations on contemporary art.

✨ Theseus Chan – Graphic artist and publisher, known for pushing the boundaries of print through his studio WORK and WERK Magazine. His experimental approach has led to collaborations with Comme des Garçons, Louis Vuitton, and Dover Street Market, and earned him Singapore’s first Designer of the Year award.

✨ Selyna Peiris – Lawyer, social entrepreneur, and Director of Selyn Group, Sri Lanka’s leading Fair Trade enterprise, bringing a strong Sri Lankan voice to global conversations on craft, culture, and sustainable growth.

✨ Andrea Tomasi – Journalist, author, and craft expert with the Michelangelo Foundation, where he champions artisans worldwide through initiatives like the biennial event Homo Faber in Venice.

The A4A Production Fund supports Sri Lankan artists reimagining the intersection of art and craft.

📢 The 2025/2026 recipients will be announced on 02.10.2025.

Stay tuned!

Earlier this year, KALĀ launched the KALĀ × Hampi Art Labs Artist Residency, opening new pathways for Sri Lankan artists on international platforms.

As the first recipient, Prasad Hettiarachchi spent two transformative months in Karnataka, immersing himself in Hampi’s landscapes, craft traditions, and communities. He has since returned to share his journey with Dominic Sansoni and Sophia Sansoni at Barefoot Gallery, Colombo.

We celebrate this milestone with Prasad and extend our heartfelt thanks to Barefoot Gallery, Dominic, and Sophia—whose patronage continues to nurture Sri Lankan artists and strengthen cultural bridges between Sri Lanka and India.

We would also like to thank all our patrons: @authenticitiessrilanka @barefootgallery @daily_ft @dailymirrorlk @hi_online_lk @hampiartlabs @hnbsrilanka @ilotcolombo @lankadeepa 

#KALĀxHampi #PrasadHettiarachchi #SriLankaArt #BarefootGallery #HampiArtLabs #ArtistInResidence #CraftandContemporary #SouthAsianArt

✨ A glimpse inside Prasad Hettiarachchi’s Open Studio at Hampi Art Labs ✨

‘You and Me Involved’ used a range of mediums to trace the shifting landscapes of Torangall and Ballary, reflecting on themes of displacement, development, and the tension between power and belonging.

The first artist-in-residence of the KALĀ × Hampi Art Labs partnership, Prasad brings his Sri Lankan practice into dialogue with new places, people, and perspectives. Beyond the studio, the residency sparks exchange with schools, peers, and visitors — creating encounters where craft and contemporary ideas meet.

Prasad Hettiarachchi (b. 1975, Colombo) trained in mural painting conservation before dedicating himself fully to art. Represented by Barefoot Gallery, his practice continues to evolve through residencies like this — where cross-cultural conversations shape new work.

📍 Hampi Art Labs, India
🗓 23–24 August 2025

In collaboration with @hampiartlabs

#ArtistInResidence #OpenStudio #HampiArtLabs #KALAxHampi #PrasadHettiarachchi #SriLankaArt #SouthAsianArt #CraftandContemporary #ResidencyInProgress #WhereMaterialMeetsMemory

Residency in Progress: Prasad Hettiarachchi at Hampi Art Labs 🇮🇳

We’re thrilled to share a glimpse into the ongoing journey of Prasad Hettiarachchi, the first recipient of the KALĀ x Hampi Art Labs Artist Residency, currently taking place in Karnataka.

Over the past few weeks, he and fellow residents have been exploring Hampi and its surrounding regions, immersing themselves in local communities and the age-old traditions of the region.

From weaving at Bunkai’s OPJC Centre, to learning from the artisans at the Kishkinda Trust and receiving mentorship from @jayasriburman — Prasad’s time at Hampi is being shaped by meaningful exchanges.

This residency marks a pivotal collaboration between KALĀ and Hampi Art Labs, providing opportunities for Sri Lankan artists to gain exposure within the region.

📍Hampi, India
📅 July–August 2025

In collaboration with @hampiartlabs

#ArtistInResidence #HampiArtLabs #KALĀxHampi #PrasadHettiarachchi #SriLankaArt #CraftandContemporary #SouthAsianArt #ResidencyInProgress #WhereMaterialMeetsMemory