Art and Culture in Chennai, India

The Krishnamurti Foundation India:

The Krishnamurti Foundation India (KFI) is a religious, charitable and educational institution located at Vasanta Vihar in Chennai.It was set up in 1928. The Foundation preserves and publishes the teachings of the renowned thinker and philospher - J Krishnamurti.You can find Books, audio and videotapes on the life, work and vision of Krishnamurti here. The centre arranges for video shows at various religious and educational institutions. There is a reading room and a lending library, with a large collection of Krishnamurti's books on religion and philosophy. Located at Vasanta Vihar, 64,Greenways Road, Chennai.

C. P. Ramaswami Aiyar Foundation:

To carry on the work of the statesman and educationist Dr. C. P. Ramaswami Aiyar, the foundation was established in his memory in1966. It works toward enlightened community development. It conducts research projects, courses, seminars and lectures on Indian culture and society. It also runs a reference library with a substantial collection of books on Indian culture and philosophy. The C. P. Art Centre (established in 1978) is the venue for exhibitions, workshops, festivals, seminars and lecture-demonstrations on art. The Foundation has also taken up heritage conservation through temple renovation and revival of folk and classical art forms. The Saraswathi Kendra Centre for Children is a project started by the Foundation for the holistic development of children, especially for those with dyslexia, autism, learning disabilities and behavioral disorders. Located at 1, Eldams Road, Alwarpet, Chennai 600 018.

Victoria Training Institute:

VTI is doing pioneering work for the promotion and revival of arts and crafts of Tamil Nadu and other parts of the country. It provides a platform to the unknown craftsmen and talented artisans to display their skills and market their finished products. The institute came into being in October 1887 to commemorate the Jubilee of Her Majesty the Queen Empress Victoria. The Memorial Hall, instituted in memory of Queen Victoria on Pantheon Road in 1909, offers technical and industrial education in cooperation with the VTI. Built in sandstone this is one of the finest pieces of architecture in Chennai. Located at Anna Salai, Chennai-600002

Cholamandal Artist Village:

The Cholamandal Artists' Village, on the East Coast Road, was born in 1965. An ambitious experiment in Modern art, Cholamandal is named after the Chola Dynasty the patrons of art and sculpture in the history of India. Artists and sculptors work in their own studios to supplement their income from the sale of paintings or sculptures. A permanent gallery attracts visitors throughout the year. They also hold exhibitions all over the country. Located at Injambakkam, Chennai-600041

Dakshinachitra:

Dakshinachitra is located 28 kms from Chennai founded by the Chennai Craft Foundation. Dakshinachitra, meaning 'picture of South India' is a depiction of the way of life prevalent in South India. A trip down Dakshinachitra takes you back to traditional home architecture from Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka. Experience the typical village space, with exhibitions and workshops of the arts and crafts and performing artists of South India. It provides information about the heritage of South India to the visitors from outside South India and especially for children who have never had the opportunity to experience their culture.

Special Events:

Chennai hosts a range of events from classical and contemporary concerts and theatre to art exhibitions and trade shows. The Festival of Carnatic Music and Dance organized in mid -December to mid -January is one of the biggest and most popular attracting best talent from India.

At Kalakshetra Arts Village in Tiruvanmiyur a ten-day Arts Festival takes place in December and January.

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