Kolkata’s Birla Academy of Art and Culture has announced its 59th Annual Celebrations, scheduled from January 9 to February 8, 2026. Curated by Uma Ray, the month-long program continues the institution’s six-decade tradition of showcasing diverse artistic practices from across India.
Since its establishment in 1967, the Academy has served as a vital platform for artists, researchers, and performers, fostering dialogue between contemporary expression and traditional craft. The Annual Exhibition remains the cornerstone of this initiative, providing young and emerging artists with an opportunity to present their works alongside established names.
The highlight of this year’s edition is Zameen, an exhibition curated by Ina Puri, featuring eminent contemporary artists including Zarina Hashmi, Shambhavi Singh, Mithu Sen, Riyas Komu, K.R. Sunil, Sumedh Rajendran, Birendra Yadav, V. Vinu, Debasish Mukherjee, Ratheesh T, and Vikrant Bhise. The show will be hosted at the Sarala Birla Gallery.
In addition, the competitive section featuring selected artists will be displayed on the fourth and fifth floors of the Academy. This year also marks the launch of Projects, a new initiative spotlighting public art installations in Bengal. The first presentation under this segment, Terra Kolkata | Burnt Earth and Living City, conceived by Anirban Das, explores the craftsmanship of clay artisans from Dakshindari through a site-specific installation on the Academy’s back lawns.
A series of performances will complement the exhibitions, beginning with Anjana Chandak’s mono-act Draupadi on January 10, followed by Sharaccharu-Chakram, a Sanskrit dance drama presented by the Chidakash Kalalaya Centre for Art and Divinity on January 17. The celebrations will conclude with Swar Ranjani, an evening of Khayal-Thumri rendition by renowned vocalist Pt. Ajoy Chakrabarty on January 25.
The Birla Academy’s 59th Annual Celebrations will be open to the public daily from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (except Mondays and national holidays) at its southern Kolkata premises.
Cover image: Debris of fate | Birender Kumar
Athmaja Biju is the Editor at Abir Pothi. She is a Translator and Writer working on Visual Culture.
