A Space Alive with Culture
The Academy of Fine Arts and Literature is not just a home to museums and galleries — it is a living stage where art, literature, music, and theatre come together. Our events bring communities closer, spark dialogue, and celebrate creativity in all its forms.
Regular Programs
Dialogue
A monthly gathering uniting poets and writers across languages, fostering cultural exchange, creativity, and literary appreciation.
Exhibitions
Rotating showcases at Arpana Fine Arts Gallery highlight established and emerging artists, offering audiences fresh visual experiences.
Performances
Theatre, dance, and music enliven our amphitheatre and halls, celebrating diverse artistic traditions through vibrant cultural performances.
Special Events
Book Releases
Launches and discussions with authors from across India and South Asia.
Conferences
Gatherings on literature, art and cultural dialogue with FOSWAL.
Talk Show
Thematic gatherings on literature, art, cultural dialogue at the Academy.
Why Attend?
Every AFAL event is an opportunity to experience culture up close — to listen, learn, and engage with voices shaping India’s artistic landscape. Whether you’re a student, a visitor, or a cultural enthusiast, there’s always something to discover here.
The Dialogue Series - Since 1976
Since 1976, the Academy of Fine Arts and Literature has been home to a vibrant tradition of dialogue and exchange. On the last Sunday of every month, the Academy hosts its Dialogue Series—a platform that brings together writers, artists, thinkers, academics, and social voices from across the country and beyond.
What began as an initiative to encourage free and fearless conversation has, over the decades, grown into one of the Academy’s most cherished traditions. Each session sparks meaningful exchange on literature, arts, culture, gender, politics, and contemporary concerns, nurturing a space where diverse perspectives meet.
The Dialogue Series continues to embody the Academy’s founding vision: to create a forum where creativity, critical thought, and social commitment come together in dialogue—sustaining an unbroken conversation for nearly five decades.
Art Exhibition 2025–26 | Raghuvansham School of Modern Art
The Raghuvansham School of Modern Art presented its Annual Group Art Exhibition (2025–26) at Arpana Fine Art, Academy of Fine Arts & Literature. The exhibition brought together a collective showcase of works by artists trained under the school’s modern art pedagogy, reflecting diverse approaches, techniques, and contemporary visual expressions.
The exhibition was inaugurated on Sunday, 25 January 2026 at 11:00 AM, at the AFAL campus, Siri Fort, New Delhi. The opening witnessed the presence of artists, students, art educators, and members of the cultural community, marking a celebratory moment for emerging and practicing artists alike.
Held at Arpana Fine Art, the exhibition reaffirmed AFAL’s role as a vital platform for nurturing artistic dialogue, learning, and public engagement with contemporary art practices. Visitors were also invited to explore the Academy’s eight free museums located across the Lower Ground, Ground, and First Floors, enriching their experience of South Asian art and heritage.
Eternal Expression – Solo Exhibition by Asit Kumar Sarkar
AFAL presented “Eternal Expression,” a solo exhibition of paintings by Asit Kumar Sarkar, showcasing a contemplative body of work rooted in emotion, spirituality, and timeless artistic inquiry. The exhibition opened on 18 December 2025 at 5:00 PM at the Arpana Caur Art Gallery, Academy of Fine Arts & Literature, Siri Fort, New Delhi.
The inauguration was graced by Padma Shri Prof. Biman Bihari Das, former Principal of GCAC and President/Chairman of AIFACS, whose presence marked the significance of the occasion. Adding a deeply immersive cultural dimension to the evening was a special musical presentation, featuring Sri Supriyo Maitro (Dhrupad vocal) accompanied by Pandit Harish Chandra Pati on the Pakhawaj.
The exhibition remained open to the public until 22 December 2025, with daily viewing from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, inviting visitors to engage with Sarkar’s evocative visual language. Guests were also encouraged to explore AFAL’s eight free museums across the Lower Ground, Ground, and First Floors, enriching their overall cultural experience.
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Blue Potter Book Release & Ajeet Cour’s 91st Birthday Celebration
AFAL proudly celebrated the release of Ajeet Cour’s latest book, The Blue Potter alongside the milestone of her 91st birthday — an evening honouring a literary icon whose work has shaped South Asia’s cultural imagination.
The Blue Potter has been described as “a kiln of memory” — a lyrical tribute to the artists, poets, mystics, and thinkers who influenced Cour’s remarkable life. From Bhapa Gurcharan Singh, the symbolic “blue potter,” to Jagjit Singh, Amrita Pritam, Krishna Sobti, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the book brings these presences alive with warmth and poetic depth.
Translated with great sensitivity by Sushmindar Jeet Kaur, the work preserves Cour’s signature storytelling — a blend of empathy, memory, and rebellion.
The celebration also honoured Cour’s lifelong contribution to literature and cultural connectivity. As founder of FOSWAL, she has spent decades strengthening artistic ties across South Asia, a legacy highlighted in the festival reports.
The event included readings, tributes, and reflections on Cour’s extraordinary journey — a reminder that even at 91, her voice remains one of the region’s most fearless and tender.
Liminal Ground – A Group Exhibition of Paintings & Ceramics
AFAL hosted “Liminal Ground,” an evocative group exhibition bringing together contemporary painters and ceramic artists whose works explored transition, movement, and the spaces between worlds.
The exhibition featured artworks by:
Anuja Panjwani Minhas, Bappaditya Roy Chowdhury, Milan Karmakar, Suraj Gorai, and Swapan Pal.
Inauguration – 3 December 2025, 4 PM
The opening ceremony at the Arpana Caur Art Gallery drew artists, scholars, cultural patrons, and supporters of the Academy’s vibrant visual arts community.
Chief Guests
Mr. Vinod Bhardwaj — Poet, Art Historian & Filmmaker
Dr. Ved Prakash Bhardwaj — Artist, Writer, Editor & Publisher
Mr. Ashutosh Kaushik — Actor, MTV Roadies & Bigg Boss Winner
Guest of Honour
Mr. Guljeet Singh Minhas — Director, Minhas Pottery
Special Guests
Ruki Chatterjee — Director, Gallery Ruki for Contemporary Art
Ritu Minhas — Director, Minhas Studio
Harsh Narayan — Creative-Tech Entrepreneur & Filmmaker
Supported by Minhas Pottery, Khurja (Uttar Pradesh) and the South Asia Forum for Art & Creative Heritage (SAFACH), the exhibition highlighted the Academy’s commitment to nurturing artistic expression across mediums.
Visitors were also invited to explore AFAL’s free museums across the Lower Ground, Ground, and First Floors—extending the experience of South Asian art, craft, and cultural heritage.
“Liminal Ground” stood as a dynamic reflection on the thresholds of artistic practice—where clay meets fire, canvas meets gesture, and imagination meets form.
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Lalit Kala Akademi Lecture by Arpana Caur
AFAL is proud to highlight the prestigious lecture delivered by Arpana Caur, one of India’s most celebrated contemporary artists, at the Lalit Kala Akademi (National Academy of Art, New Delhi). Organized under the Lalit Kala Lecture Series, the session titled “50 Years of Journey” offered a profound reflection on her artistic evolution, creative philosophy, and the socio-cultural concerns that have shaped her five decades of work.
Over the years, Arpana Caur’s paintings and sculptures have been exhibited across major cities in India and internationally, with her works housed in landmark institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art (Delhi/Mumbai), MOCA (Los Angeles), the Victoria & Albert Museum (London), and the Hiroshima Museum of Modern Art. Her visual language—rooted in Indian miniature traditions yet boldly contemporary—engages with themes of spirituality, women’s issues, violence, environment, and social memory.
The lecture provided rare insights into her creative process, her early years in the art world, major retrospectives, and her public commissions in India and abroad. It also traced her continuing commitment to socially conscious art and community engagement.
Held on Friday, 28 November 2025 at 2:30 PM, the event was attended by artists, scholars, students, and admirers, marking an important moment in the Akademi’s ongoing efforts to document and celebrate the journeys of India’s leading art practitioners.
Clay Synthesis – Solo Ceramic Exhibition by Sanjay Samanta
AFAL proudly presented “Clay Synthesis,” a compelling solo ceramic exhibition by artist Sanjay Samanta, showcasing his distinctive approach to form, structure, and material experimentation. The exhibition invited viewers into a world where clay becomes both sculpture and syntax—shaped through intuition, precision, and the artist’s deeply personal relationship with the medium.
Inauguration – 27 November 2025, 4 PM
The opening event welcomed artists, ceramic practitioners, and members of the creative community at the Arpana Caur Art Gallery, Academy of Fine Arts & Literature, Siri Fort.
Chief Guest
Mr. Guljeet Singh Minhas — Director, Minhas Pottery
Guest of Honour
Mrs. Ritu Minhas — Director, Minhas Studio
Samanta’s sculptural works, marked by bold contours and organic complexity, reflected a synthesis of traditional ceramic discipline with contemporary artistic inquiry. Visitors were also encouraged to explore the Academy’s free museums across the Lower Ground, Ground, and First Floors, extending their engagement with South Asian artistic heritage.
“Clay Synthesis” stood as a powerful testament to the evolving language of ceramics and the artist’s mastery in transforming raw earth into contemplative forms.
Saga of Nature – 3rd Solo Exhibition by Susanta Das
AFAL proudly hosted “Saga of Nature,” the third solo exhibition of paintings by artist Susanta Das, unveiling a new body of work inspired by the organic rhythms, textures, and spiritual energies of the natural world. The preview was held on Thursday, 20 November 2025 at 5:30 PM, drawing artists, scholars, patrons, and members of the creative community.
The evening took place in the Academy of Fine Arts & Literature, Siri Fort Institutional Area, and was graced by eminent guests including Prof. Biman Bihari Das (Padma Shri awardee and President, AIFACS), Captain Vikas Gupta (Cabinet Minister, Uttar Pradesh Government), Dr. Nand Lal Thakur (Vice Chairman, Lalit Kala Akademi), Sri Debabrata Sarkar (Chairman, Innovation Hope and Faith Foundation of India), Mr. Irfan Sheikh (Senior Journalist, Zee), and Sri Vinod Bhardwaj (Poet, Art Historian, Filmmaker).
The exhibition remained on view until 24 November 2025, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in Susanta Das’s evocative interpretations of nature’s forms and mysteries. Guests were also encouraged to explore AFAL’s eight free museums across the Lower Ground, Ground, and First Floors.
Art Spectra – A Group Art Exhibition
AFAL hosted “Art Spectra,” a vibrant group art exhibition bringing together a diverse range of contemporary painters and visual artists. The show celebrated colour, form, and expression across multiple artistic perspectives, showcasing both emerging and established creators.
The exhibition was inaugurated by Padma Shri Shovana Narayan, eminent Kathak dancer and Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee, alongside Payal Kapoor, renowned interior architect. Curated by Alka Pandhi, the show highlighted the strength of collective creativity within today’s art landscape.
Participating Artists
Jagor · Suraj Gorai · Anuja Panjwani Minhas · Meenakshi Bhandari · Jagdeep Kaur · Smita Prasad · Shubha Krishna · Parameshwar R. Pimple · Makrand Gangarkar · Dhruvraj Ghorpade N. · Smita Singhal · Geeta Sareen Popli · Ashish Kapoor · Anjali Sharma · Ambika Yadav · Seema Soni · Noman Subhan · Navaen Kathait · Kanika Srivastava
Visitors were also encouraged to explore the Academy’s eight free museums spread across the Lower Ground, Ground, and First Floors, offering an extended journey into the cultural and artistic heritage of AFAL.
“Art Spectra” stood as a dynamic gathering of artistic voices—each contributing a unique spectrum of ideas, techniques, and interpretations to the gallery space.
Beyond Limits 2025 – In Collaboration with AFAL
AFAL was pleased to collaborate with Family of Disabled (FOD) for Beyond Limits 2025, an initiative dedicated to empowering and celebrating artists and individuals with disabilities. As a voluntary organisation serving people with disabilities since 1992, FOD continues to create platforms that foster creativity, confidence, and inclusion—and AFAL is honoured to support this meaningful endeavour.
Through exhibitions, performances, and community engagement programs, Beyond Limits 2025 aimed to highlight the extraordinary talent and resilience of differently-abled creators, reinforcing that artistic expression knows no barriers. The collaboration reflects AFAL’s ongoing commitment to accessibility, representation, and the belief that the arts must remain a space open to every voice and every body.
For more information, participants were invited to connect with Family of Disabled at www.familyofdisabled.org or via the contact details listed in the official invitation.
Radiance of Love
AFAL was honoured to host a special screening of “Radical Love,” a film by director Julio Hey, presented by Ahad Anhad. The film reflects on compassion, inner transformation, and the profound human capacity for peace—captured through intimate storytelling and evocative visuals.
Following the screening, the audience engaged in an inspiring conversation with Satish Kumar, renowned peace-pilgrim, activist, former monk, and founder of Schumacher College. In dialogue with Oroon Das, Satish Kumar offered reflections on love as a radical act, ecological consciousness, and the role of inner harmony in shaping a more humane world.
Held on Friday, 17 October 2025 at 6:30 PM at the Academy of Fine Arts & Literature, the event drew thinkers, students, artists, and community members seeking deeper perspectives on peace, sustainability, and shared humanity.
Visitors were also invited to explore AFAL’s eight free museums across the Lower Ground, Ground, and First Floors.
Climate Futures Through a Gender Lens
AFAL hosted the Chintan Research Foundation’s important dialogue, “Climate Futures Through a Gender Lens,” a forum examining how climate change impacts women and gendered communities, and why inclusive climate strategies are essential for sustainable futures.
The discussion brought together two distinguished keynote speakers: Mrs. Kalyani Raj, President of the All India Women’s Conference, and Dr. Mini Govindan, Senior Fellow at TERI, both of whom presented critical insights on gender-responsive climate action, community resilience, and policy pathways. The session was moderated by Mr. Shishir Priyadarshi, President of the Chintan Research Foundation, who guided a thoughtful and engaging conversation.
Held on 16 October 2025 at 6 PM at the Academy of Fine Arts & Literature, the event welcomed researchers, practitioners, students, and members of the public committed to building a more equitable environmental future.
Ehsaas Exhibition: Gods Transcending
On 23rd September, the Academy of Fine Arts and Literature hosted Gods Transcending, an exhibition by Ehsaas that celebrated the vibrant spirit of Navratri. The showcase brought together striking works of art that explored themes of divinity, strength, and transformation—capturing the essence of the festival through contemporary and traditional expressions. The exhibition offered visitors not just an artistic experience, but also a cultural celebration that connected creativity with the timeless energy of Navratri.
Zohra Segal Festival of the Arts
From 19th to 21st September 2025, the Academy of Fine Arts and Literature hosted the Zohra Segal Festival of the Arts, celebrating the 113th birth anniversary of Padmavibhushan Zohra Segal. Organized by The Zohra Segal Trust in collaboration with Pallavi Odissi Nritya Sangeet Vidyalaya and Anhad, the three-day festival brought together theatre, music, dance, talks, and personal tributes. Highlights included Zohra Segal by Kiran Segal—an intimate evening of memories with slides and videos, the comedy play Akbar the Great Nahin Rahe by Pierrot’s Troupe, as well as performances of sarangi, poetry, Odissi dance, and more. The festival not only honored Zohra Segal’s extraordinary artistic legacy but also reflected the Academy’s spirit of keeping art, dialogue, and cultural celebration alive.
Navadhanya
AFAL was honoured to participate in BHOOMI 2025, an in-depth symposium dedicated to understanding the interconnected health of Mother Earth and human communities. Organized by Navdanya in collaboration with the India International Centre, the event addressed the theme “The Nature of Nature – Earth’s Metabolic Disorder”, bringing together leading environmental thinkers, scientists, and practitioners.
The programme began with an exhibition on Indian women farmers’ knowledge, celebrating the living diversity nurtured by organic farming communities. The formal inauguration included a welcome by Maya Goburdhun and the launch of Annapurna – From Annapurna’s Land: Solutions to Reset Earth’s Metabolic Disorder, introduced by Dr. Ajeet Cour and Arpana Caur, whose artwork also framed the visual identity of the event.
Key Sessions & Speakers
The symposium featured two deep-dive panel discussions:
Panel 1 – Agroecology: Solutions for a Reset of Earth’s Metabolic Disorder
Led by distinguished experts such as
Dr. Vandana Shiva – Author & Founder, Navdanya
Dr. Srinath Reddy – PHFI
Dr. Andre Leu – Former President, IFOAM – Organics International
Dr. Nadia El Hage – Former Head, Ecological Farming, FAO
Dr. Av Singh – Vice-President, Regénération Canada
This session explored systemic agricultural solutions, regenerative models, and the role of agroecology in restoring planetary balance.
Panel 2 – Food and Health: The Gut–Earth Connection
Featuring
Dr. Arun Gupta – Paediatrician, BPNI, IBFAN
Dr. Suresh Kumar – Paediatrician, CISSA
Dr. Srinath Reddy – PHFI
The panel examined ultra-processed foods, their risks to youth, and the intimate relationship between soil health, gut health, and human wellbeing.
The event concluded with an interactive tea session, fostering dialogue among participants committed to ecological resilience and sustainable futures.
ARTWORD COLLECTIVE
The Academy of Fine Arts and Literature recently hosted “ARTWORD COLLECTIVE” in association with Wordloom Creative Ventures. This gathering became a sanctuary where Artists and Authors converged in an enriching dialogue and discussions.
Atrium School Exhibition
The Artium School presented a dynamic exhibition at the Academy of Fine Arts and Literature, celebrating the creativity and talent of its young artists. The event was inaugurated by renowned painter Mr. Vijender Sharma, who attended as the Chief Guest and applauded the students’ fresh perspectives and artistic expression. The exhibition stood out as both a showcase of emerging talent and an inspiring moment for the budding art community.
Rangshila by Rangdhara
The Academy of Fine Arts and Literature hosted “Rangshila” by theatre group Rangdhara, an engaging performance that blended powerful storytelling with strong visual expression. The production brought to life themes of society, relationships, and human emotion, leaving the audience captivated by its intensity and depth. With its unique style and compelling performances, Rangshila stood out as a memorable theatrical experience at the Academy.
Ghara - A Performance by Manmeet Devgun
The Academy of Fine Arts and Literature hosted “Ghara”, a powerful performance by artist Manmeet Devgun. Known for her evocative and thought-provoking practice, Devgun used the performance to explore themes of identity, memory, and the everyday object as a vessel of meaning. Ghara resonated as both intimate and universal, leaving the audience with a deeply reflective experience of art beyond boundaries.
Soundbath - Trove Experiences
Trove Experiences conducted a sound bath therapy by Priyanjali Das.
Book Release: Hari Cheetiyan Sapne Dekhti Hai
The Academy proudly hosted the release of Padmashri Ajeet Cour’s latest book, Hari Cheetiyan Sapne Dekhti Hai. Ajeet Cour—renowned writer, social thinker, and founder of the Academy—continues to captivate readers with her fearless voice and profound storytelling.
This new work reflects her trademark blend of empathy, sharp insight, and unflinching honesty, offering readers a deeply human perspective on contemporary life and its complexities. The book release was both a literary milestone and a celebration of the Academy’s commitment to nurturing thought and creativity.
Dehri Art Workshop
The Academy of Fine Arts and Literature proudly hosted the Dehri Art Workshop, bringing together artists, students, and art enthusiasts for a vibrant exchange of ideas and creativity. The workshop celebrated diverse artistic practices, from painting and sculpture to experimental forms, fostering dialogue between tradition and innovation. With inspiring sessions and collaborative spirit, the Dehri Art Workshop reflected the Academy’s commitment to nurturing talent and promoting cultural engagement in the arts.
Whispering Ruins Event
The Academy of Fine Arts and Literature hosted Whispering Ruins, a multimedia interaction weaving film, dance, and storytelling. Featuring Lata Bhasin’s film on Lodi Gardens, Navina Jafa’s evocative dance, and narratives by Oroon Das, the performance reimagined Delhi’s monuments beyond their dated histories. Through sound, movement, and memory, the evening offered audiences a layered reflection on heritage and the living spirit of our neighborhoods.
Shana Sood - Homecoming
The Academy of Fine Arts and Literature presents Homecoming: Echoes of Belonging, a solo exhibition by Shana Sood, curated by Georgina Maddox. Through evocative portraits and layered narratives, the works reflect on identity, memory, and cultural roots. On view from 10–20 April 2025 at the Arpana Caur Art Gallery, the show invites viewers to journey inward and rediscover the intimate ties that shape belonging.
Parvathy Baul performance at the Academy
The Academy of Fine Arts and Literature was honored to present an enchanting Parvathy Baul Performance, where music, movement, and mysticism came together in a soulful expression of the Baul tradition. Her captivating voice and storytelling evoked deep spiritual connection, offering the audience a rare glimpse into the living heritage of Bengal’s wandering minstrels. The evening reaffirmed the Academy’s dedication to showcasing India’s rich cultural and performing arts legacy.
Raag E Shaam: Rajasthani Folk Music
Event Gallery
