FESTIVAL OF ART, CRAFT AND DESIGN

Festival of Art, Craft & Design

The Festival of Art, Craft & Design is ArtMantram’s flagship celebration of creativity—bringing together artists, artisans, designers, thinkers, and communities to honour India’s rich cultural heritage while engaging with contemporary ideas. Since its inception, the festival has been a meeting point of tradition and innovation, showcasing the best of art and craft alongside thought-provoking conversations and performances.

2019 – A Three-Part Celebration

In 2019, the festival unfolded across three unique experiences:

Open-Air Mela on MG Road
For 10 vibrant days, the MG Road Boulevard came alive with workshops, craft stalls, and a special celebration of World Craft Day. This open-air festival invited citizens to discover, learn, and participate in India’s living craft traditions.
Sustain Art at ITC Windsor
Presented in partnership with ITC Windsor, Sustain Art honoured legendary artists and revivalists including Sudharak Olwe, Gajam Govardhana, and Anita Reddy. This initiative spotlighted Padma awardees and doyens of craft, giving Bangaloreans the rare opportunity to meet these masters, learn their stories, and experience their work firsthand.
Manasa: Festival Finale Conference
The festival concluded with an academic conference at Bengaluru’s ITC Windsor, featuring leading voices such as Laila Tyabji, Ambassador Nirupama Rao, Sujata Prasad, Sharada Srinivasan, Bose Krishnamachari, Abhishek Poddar, and Prasad Bidappa. Across panels and keynote addresses, speakers reimagined Bangalore, debated heritage versus innovation, and explored the global journey of Indian art.

2020 – Re-Enacting Heritage, Expanding Horizons

In 2020, the festival wove together history, craft, and performance:

A re-enactment of the founding of Bangalore, with four bullock carts drawn by white bulls setting out from the heart of old Bangalore towards its historic gates, was flagged off by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. This living history spectacle launched the Unboxing Bangalore Festival.
At the Kadlekai Parishe, our craftspeople showcased and sold their wares, connecting grassroots artisans with thousands of city visitors.
A day of poetry, film, and art at the Bangalore International Centre brought writers, filmmakers, and visual artists together to share and perform.

2024 – Textiles and Crafts in the Spotlight

The festival continues to evolve, embracing fresh formats and audiences. In 2024, ArtMantram partnered with Prasad Bidappa for a spectacular Textile Show at JW Marriott (December 1). Alongside this, a one-day craft showcase at the same venue celebrated the artistry of Indian weaves, crafts, and design in a contemporary setting.

A Living Platform for Art

Through these diverse editions, the Festival of Art, Craft & Design has become more than an event—it is a platform that nurtures creativity, celebrates heritage, and connects people. By blending the traditional with the modern, the festival affirms ArtMantram’s belief that art is for everyone, everywhere.