Kala Pola

Jan 05, 2008 (LBO) – An annual open air art fair in the Sri Lankan capital Colombo will see more than 300 artists and sculptors displaying their creations and also be a meeting place for thousands of art lovers and buyers, its organizers said. The Kala Pola or 'art marketplace' is being held for the 15th consecutive year. Organised by the George Keyt Foundation of Sri Lanka the fair will start on January 20 at the Viharamahadevi Park grounds in Colombo.

This year, the Kala Pola will feature over 300 artists and sculptors who will display their creativity to Sri Lankan as well as expatriate clientele, the organizers said.

"Kala Pola has now grown to be a national event," Cedric de Silva, president of the George Keyt Foundation, told reporters.

"It attracts hundreds of artists and sculptors from all parts of the island who are given the opportunity of showcasing their work to a vast number of buyers."

"This is a boon to these simple men and women, some of whom may not be able to exhibit in Colombo's regular art galleries,"

The first Kala Pola in 1993 had 35 artists and it reached 328 in 2003 and 353 in 2004, Silva says.

The Kala Pola is a good source of income especially for budding ar