Who We Are?
The Academy of Fine Arts and Literature (AFAL) was founded in 1975 with a simple yet powerful vision: to make art and literature accessible to all. Today, AFAL stands as one of India’s most respected cultural institutions — a hub where heritage, creativity, and community come together.
Our Mission
To preserve India’s artistic and literary heritage.
To provide a platform for emerging and marginalized voices.
To foster dialogue and cultural exchange across borders.
To empower communities, especially women, through education and creativity.
What We Do?
AFAL nurtures creativity and connection through:
Eight museums housing rare collections of Indian miniature paintings, folk and tribal art, and the permanent works of Arpana Caur.
Arpana Fine Arts Gallery, where contemporary and emerging artists share their work.
Events and Dialogues, ranging from poetry readings to concerts and theatre.
FOSWAL (Foundation of SAARC Writers and Literature), the only SAARC-recognised literary body promoting cultural diplomacy through words.
Women’s Empowerment Centre, offering education and vocational training to underprivileged women.
A free Library, open to all, with 10,000+ books in multiple languages.
Our Legacy
The Academy was envisioned by Ajeet Cour, celebrated writer and activist, and brought to life with her daughter, the internationally acclaimed painter Arpana Caur. Their shared belief in art and literature as instruments of change continues to shape everything we do.
Our Founders
Ajeet Cour — Founder, Writer, Visionary
Ajeet Cour (b. 1934, Lahore) is an acclaimed writer and activist whose works give voice to women, the displaced, and the marginalized. Honoured with the Sahitya Akademi Award and the Padma Shri, her writing reflects both resilience and compassion.
In 1975, she founded the Academy of Fine Arts and Literature, shaping it into a haven for art and community. Built through personal sacrifice and sustained by her conviction, AFAL stands as a testament to her belief in creativity as a force for healing and transformation.
Arpana Caur — Artist, Curator, Visionary
Arpana Caur (b. 1954, Delhi) is one of India’s leading contemporary artists, celebrated for her powerful visual storytelling. Her paintings reflect themes of time, spirituality, ecology, and women’s lives, making her work both deeply personal and universally resonant. Exhibited across the world, her art holds a distinctive voice in modern Indian painting.
At AFAL, she has carried forward her mother’s vision, curating museums and galleries that preserve art, manuscripts, and cultural memory. Through her commitment, creativity, and support, she has ensured AFAL remains a living, growing institution dedicated to art and empowerment.
Timeline of the Academy
Established by Ajeet Cour and Arpana Caur, AFAL began its journey with a mission to democratize art and literature. By 1977, it was formally registered as a society, securing its place as a cultural institution.
AFAL moves into its dedicated building at Siri Fort Institutional Area, New Delhi, with purpose-built galleries, museums, and a library.
Through the Foundation of SAARC Writers and Literature (FOSWAL), AFAL hosts landmark international conferences, strengthening cultural diplomacy in South Asia.
With Ticketless eight Museums, a thriving gallery, FOSWAL, a free library, and women’s empowerment programs, AFAL continues to be a vital cultural hub for India and the region.