Delhi's Cultural Haven
Founded in 1975 by Ajeet Cour and Arpana Caur, the Academy of Fine Arts and Literature (AFAL) is Delhi’s premier cultural institution offering an open space for all creative endeavors. Located in Siri Fort Institutional Area, our aesthetically designed cultural centre has been a nurturing ground for artistic expression for over five decades.
We are in our golden jubilee decade, we complete 50 years in the year 2027.
About Us
Cultural Space
The only cultural institution in Delhi providing an open house for all creative people for literary gatherings, play rehearsals, dance, music concerts, and more.
Art Exhibitions
From legends like Arpana Caur to emerging talents, our Arpana Fine Arts Gallery hosts diverse exhibitions year-round.
Literary Programs
Through our monthly 'Dialogue' series, seminars, research initiatives, translations, and free Library, we promote literary activities across languages.
Arpana Fine Arts Museum
Miniature Museum 1
Step into the enchanting world of Indian miniature painting, where meticulous detail meets profound storytelling. Our Miniature Museum houses rare and exquisite works spanning several centuries and schools—from the delicate Pahari and Kangra styles to the vibrant Rajasthani and sophisticated Mughal traditions. Each carefully preserved painting invites viewers to discover the extraordinary craftsmanship and cultural narratives captured on remarkably small paperworks. The collection highlights the evolution of this distinctive art form that flourished under royal patronage across the Indian subcontinent.
Miniature Museum 2
Delve into the mesmerizing world of Indian miniature painting, where intricate detail blends with powerful storytelling. Our Miniature Museum presents precious and remarkable works spanning multiple centuries and traditions—from the subtle Pahari and Kangra techniques to the colorful Rajasthani, elegant Mughal and captivating Sikh styles. Each meticulously conserved artwork beckons visitors to explore the remarkable craftsmanship and cultural heritage captured on astonishingly small paper. The collection documents the progression of this unique artistic tradition that blossomed under royal sponsorship throughout the Indian subcontinent.
Arpana Permenant Collection
Experience the powerful artistic vision of renowned contemporary artist Arpana Caur through our permanent exhibition of her works. This carefully curated collection spans different periods of Caur’s illustrious career, featuring her signature canvases, etchings, drawings, and gouaches. Her art eloquently addresses themes of urban experience, feminine identity, spiritual traditions, and social transformation. As co-founder of the Academy, Arpana Caur’s personal collection offers a unique opportunity to witness the evolution of one of India’s most significant contemporary artists whose work bridges traditional motifs and modern concerns.
Museum of Folk and Tribal Art
Celebrate the vibrant living traditions of India’s diverse communities in our Museum of Folk and Tribal Arts. This dynamic collection showcases the extraordinary creativity found in everyday objects, ritual items, and decorative pieces created by artisans from various regions across India. From intricate Madhubani paintings and Warli art to Gond tribal works and textile traditions, the museum honors artistic expressions that have been passed down through generations. Each piece reflects the deep connection between art, daily life, and cultural identity in India’s folk and tribal communities.
Arpana Caur
Museum of Paperwork
The Arpana Caur Paperwork Museum at the Academy of Fine Arts and Literature houses an extraordinary collection of delicate yet powerful paper-based artworks that showcase the versatility and beauty of this modest medium. Established to celebrate the innovative paper techniques pioneered by renowned artist Arpana Caur, this museum offers visitors a unique glimpse into the transformative potential of paper as an artistic medium.
Aparna Fine Arts Gallery
Nurturing Artistic Excellence for Over Four Decades
For 40 years, the Arpana Fine Arts Gallery has stood as a beacon of artistic opportunity in Delhi’s cultural landscape. As a completely non-profit entity, we take pride in our unique approach— ensuring artists receive full recognition for their creative expressions.
Our mission extends beyond exhibition space; we are dedicated to discovering and elevating talented artists who might otherwise remain unseen.
Library
and
Reading Room
A Treasure Trove of Knowledge and Inspiration
The Library, an integral part of the Academy of Fine Arts and Literature, houses an impressive collection of 10,000 titles spanning literature, fiction, poetry, history, art, philosophy, religious studies, plays, anthropology, sociology, and archaeology. Our collection includes rare art books frequently used by scholars for doctoral research, historical publications from the 19th and 20th centuries, and works in multiple languages including English, Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, and limited titles in other Indian languages.
The library is FREE to all visitors with no membership fees required. We offer a spacious, fully air-conditioned reading room with power backup, and are open daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Visitors can enjoy refreshments at our subsidized Academy Café on the premises, making the Academy Library not just a treasure trove of knowledge, but also a comfortable space for study and intellectual exploration.
Events
The Academy of Fine Arts and Literature hosts a vibrant calendar of cultural events throughout the year, designed to engage, inspire, and foster community dialogue. Our carefully curated programming celebrates artistic excellence and provides platforms for emerging talents across multiple disciplines.
Foundation of Saarc Writers and Literature
FOSWAL launched its vision of cultural bonding among the neighboring SAARC countries in 1987, and emerged as the first and the only non government organization working in the specific area of culture, for creating cultural connectivity through a think tank of intellectuals and writers, creative fraternity and peace activists, who have common sensitivities and common concerns for the socio-cultural-political-economic-tribal-gender issues of the region.
Women Empowerment Centre
Empowering women is a critical factor in freeing millions of people who are caught up in the cycle of poverty and hunger. By providing women and the girl child, an access to economic and educational opportunities, as well as the autonomy needed to take advantage of such opportunities.
Our Classes
We offer expert instruction in Kathak dance and sculpture for all skill levels. Join our supportive community and discover the joy of these ancient art forms in a contemporary learning environment.
