A Landmark in Indian Art
The 64th National Exhibition of Art (NEA), organized by the Lalit Kala Akademi, was inaugurated on August 5, 2025, in New Delhi. The event marks a historic milestone as award-winning artworks are available for sale for the first time, supporting India’s artists and strengthening the creative economy.
Grand Inauguration Ceremony
The exhibition was inaugurated at the Lalit Kala Akademi Galleries, Rabindra Bhavan, with Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat as the Chief Guest. Other dignitaries included Shri Vivek Aggarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Culture; Ms. Amita Prasad Sarbhai, Additional Secretary; Shri Nand Lal Thakur, Vice Chairman, Lalit Kala Akademi; and Shri Rajeev Kumar, Secretary, Lalit Kala Akademi.
Minister’s Address
In his keynote address, Shri Shekhawat highlighted the significance of the move, stating that empowering artists through sales opportunities promotes self-reliance and strengthens India’s creative economy. He emphasized that art today extends beyond galleries, serving as a tool for education, tourism, employment, and social transformation.
A Showcase of Indian Creativity
This year’s NEA presents 283 artworks selected from more than 5,900 submissions, reflecting the vast diversity of Indian creativity. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, graphics, installations, and photographs, providing a vibrant panorama of India’s contemporary and traditional art landscape.
Awards and Honours
- 20 Lalit Kala Akademi Awardees were felicitated for their excellence in visual arts.
- Veteran artists Shri Krishen Khanna, Shri Ram V. Sutar, and Smt. Ira Chaudhari were honoured for their lifetime contributions.
- Two major publications were unveiled:
- The 64th NEA Exhibition Catalogue.
- “Printmaker for All Seasons,” celebrating Padma Shri Shyam Sharma.
Exhibition Details
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening Date | August 6, 2025 |
| Closing Date | September 15, 2025 |
| Timings | 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM (daily) |
| Venue | Lalit Kala Akademi Galleries, Rabindra Bhavan, New Delhi |
About Lalit Kala Akademi
Established in 1954, the Lalit Kala Akademi is India’s National Academy of Art, dedicated to promoting visual arts across the country. Through exhibitions, research, and artist support programs, it preserves India’s rich artistic traditions while encouraging contemporary innovations. As part of its vision, the Akademi continues to strengthen cultural exchange and empower the nation’s artistic community.
Why This Edition is Special
By making award-winning artworks available for sale, the Akademi has taken a bold step towards artist empowerment. This initiative aligns with India’s National Mission on Cultural Mapping, ensuring that artists not only receive recognition but also sustainable opportunities to thrive.
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