Lalit Kala Akademi Inaugurates the 64th National Exhibition of Art with a Historic Push Towards Artist Empowerment

  For the first time, award-winning artworks are available for sale, strengthening India’s commitment to cultural mapping and supporting art...

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For the first time, award-winning artworks are available for sale, strengthening India’s commitment to cultural mapping and supporting artistic livelihoods

New Delhi .

 Asal Baat news.

The 64th National Exhibition of Art (NEA), organized by the Lalit Kala Akademi, India’s National Academy of Art, was inaugurated on August 5, 2025, in New Delhi with a grand ceremony that celebrated both India’s rich visual heritage and its dynamic contemporary art landscape.

He concluded by saying, “Art is no longer confined to galleries and museums; it is a medium of social transformation. From education and tourism to employment and inclusion, the role of art is expanding rapidly. Therefore, empowering our artists and connecting their work to sustainable opportunities must be a core part of our cultural policy and I am glad to see Lalit Kala Akademi leading that change.”

Shri Vivek Aggarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, shared, “The 64th National Exhibition of Art showcases a rich collection of exceptional artworks from across the country, created in diverse mediums. This not only reflects the vastness and diversity of Indian art but also provides a meaningful platform for creative dialogue among artists. The Akademi’s initiative to bring emerging and established artists together through such exhibitions is truly commendable.”

“This prestigious exhibition stands as a testament to the vibrant creative spirit of our nation and reflects the Akademi’s steadfast dedication to fostering artistic innovation and excellence. The diverse and dynamic range of artworks on display showcases the evolving narrative of Indian art, while remaining deeply anchored in its rich cultural traditions.” remarked, Ms. Amita Prasad Sarbhai, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Culture.

In a landmark move, the Akademi announced that the award-winning artworks at this year’s NEA will be available for sale, a first in the event’s history. This bold initiative aims to directly benefit artists and foster a culture of art acquisition in India. It is aligned with the Government of India’s National Mission on Cultural Mapping, which seeks to identify, support, and sustain artistic talent across the country.

In his keynote address, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Government of India stated, “The exhibition is not just a display of artworks, but a vibrant cultural platform showcasing the talent of emerging and established artists from across the country. It beautifully brings together contemporary, traditional, folk, and tribal art, reflecting the diversity and richness of Indian artistic expression.”

He further said, “It gives me immense satisfaction to note that this year, the Akademi has taken a significant step by encouraging the sale of artworks. This forward-looking move promotes self-reliance among artists and strengthens our creative economy. In today’s time, where art, culture, and economic development are increasingly interlinked, such initiatives are both timely and visionary.”

This year’s NEA features a curated selection of 283 artworks, chosen from over 5,900 submissions received from across India through a rigorous two-tier jury process. The mediums on display span painting, sculpture, graphics, installation, photography, and more showcasing the diversity and depth of Indian artistic expression.

The evening also witnessed the felicitation of 20 Lalit Kala Akademi Awardees, celebrating their innovation and excellence in the visual arts. In addition, veteran artists Shri Krishen Khanna, Shri Ram V. Sutar, and Smt. Ira Chaudhari were honoured for their unparalleled lifetime contributions to Indian art and culture.