Bengaluru's beloved cultural extravaganza, the Chitra Santhe art fair, is set to make a grand comeback this weekend. The 23rd edition of this popular event promises a vibrant celebration of creativity, bringing together a massive gathering of artists from across the nation and beyond.
A Canvas of National and International Talent
This year's fair is a monumental showcase, featuring an impressive 1,530 stalls set up by artists hailing from 22 Indian states and 4 union territories. Adding an international flavour to the mix, an artist from Dubai will also be presenting their work. The event is meticulously organized by the Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath (CKP) and will transform the heart of the city into a bustling open-air gallery.
Mark your calendars for Sunday, January 4. The fair will be open to the public from 8 am to 8 pm along the iconic Kumara Krupa Road in central Bengaluru. The art exhibition curated in collaboration with the Vanalok Foundation will continue to be accessible for art lovers until January 12.
Art with a Conscience: The Environmental Theme
This edition carries a powerful and timely message. The organizers have chosen to focus on pressing environmental challenges and climate change. CKP president BL Shankar revealed that the theme was selected after extensive discussions on ecological issues, with the ongoing controversy surrounding the Aravalli range in northwest India taking centre stage in the discourse.
The fair will be formally inaugurated by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, while the accompanying art exhibition will be opened by Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. This high-level participation underscores the event's significance in the state's cultural calendar.
Logistics and Visitor Information
To accommodate the record number of participants, the stall layout has been expanded significantly. The art stalls will stretch from the Windsor Manor junction on Kumara Krupa Road all the way to Shivananda Circle, and will also include a section of Crescent Road. Consequently, traffic restrictions will be in place in these areas throughout the day.
To ensure easy access for visitors, the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has arranged special feeder bus services. These buses will run from key transit points like Majestic, Mantri Square, and Vidhana Soudha Metro stations, dropping attendees off at Shivananda Circle.
The return of Chitra Santhe is more than just an art fair; it is a testament to Bengaluru's thriving creative spirit and its engagement with global issues. It offers a unique platform for artists to connect directly with the public and for citizens to immerse themselves in a day dedicated to visual storytelling and environmental awareness.
