KALĀ is a platform focused on South Asian modern and contemporary visual art, from local and diasporic perspectives.

KALĀ is a platform committed to showcasing the best of Sri Lankan modern and contemporary art while fostering meaningful engagement across the South Asian arts community. Our mission is to bring international exposure to Sri Lankan artists, creating opportunities that transcend borders and establish dialogues across the region.

KALĀ is proud to collaborate with the University of Visual and Performing Arts (UVPA) Colombo in commemorating the institution’s 75th anniversary. As we prepare for KALĀ 2025, this second edition deepens the dialogue initiated by the inaugural exhibition, Pivot Glide Echo. Centered on Sri Lanka’s pioneering modernists and their influence on contemporary practitioners, the exhibition celebrates the enduring legacy of artists such as J.D.A. Perera, Stanley Abeysinghe, Tissa Ranasinghe, David Paynter, and H.A. Karunaratne. Curated by Mariyam Begum, this iteration explores the shared themes, social concerns, and artistic innovations that connect the past and present.

In parallel, KALĀ Commune—a South Asian residency and exhibition program—reaffirms our commitment to fostering the local arts ecosystem. Led by curator Mandira Ranathunga, with Programming Advisor Good Life X, the initiative emphasises pedagogy, collaboration, and the cultivation of meaningful connections within the South Asian arts community. Together, we honour UVPA’s pivotal role as Sri Lanka’s oldest art institution, celebrating its influence on the nation’s cultural and creative landscape.