Kala Pola 2026- Open Air Art Fair – Media Release
Event Details:
- Event: Kala Pola - Open Air Art Fair
- Date: 8 th February (Sunday)
- Location: Green Path - Colombo, Sri Lanka
- Free of charge and open to the public.
Kala Pola, Sri Lanka’s Annual Open Air Art Fair, takes place on the 8 th of February 2026, for the 33rd time. Kala Pola provides the country’s largest platform for visual artists to launch and sustain the careers of talented artists and sculptors, foster the development of a clientele, facilitate the exchange of ideas among artists for collective growth in style and genres, and promote art as a potent and professional career. Over the years, the event has also become a reputed means of popularising the appreciation and patronage of visual art by the public in a fun-filled atmosphere of music and camaraderie. This year’s event showcased the works of over 485 local artists hailing from different provinces of Sri Lanka.
Mr. Marc-André Franche, UN Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka, graced the official ceremony of the event as the Chief Guest.
Conceptualised and introduced by The George Keyt Foundation in 1993, and sponsored and co-presented by the John Keells Group through an unbroken patronage since 1994, Kala Pola has grown into a cultural landmark that continues to reshape how visual art is showcased and experienced in Sri Lanka. Remaining true to its founding philosophy, the event is proudly uncurated, providing participating artists and sculptors with the opportunity to showcase their talent, connect with art enthusiasts, learn from and network with other artists, and expand their clientele.
Kala Pola displays a broad variety of forms and styles, ranging from intricate sculptures, humorous caricatures, and abstract paintings to modern and traditional Sri Lankan art. Attracting art lovers, collectors, connoisseurs, and students from all parts of the country and tourists from various parts of the world, the event creates a vibrant, welcoming, and wholesome atmosphere spurred by music, camaraderie, art discussions, children’s art workshops, and an array of cultural performances.
As a longstanding and iconic visual art flagship amidst Sri Lanka’s vibrant calendar of arts and cultural events, Kala Pola continues to stand as a unique open-air platform for visual expression. By bringing together both established and emerging artists in an inclusive, uncurated setting in the heart of Colombo, the event fosters meaningful connections between creators and audiences, offering accessibility, diversity, discourse and a shared appreciation for art among a wide cross-section of the public, while spurring the creative economy of the country. Nations Trust Bank (NTB) also supports Kala Pola as its official banking partner.
This year’s event featured several fringe activities, including:
- Children’s Art Corner (under the guidance of Cora Abraham Art teachers, powered by Elephant House and sponsored by Nehara Art and John Keells Foundation)
- Experience Live Performance by Prageeth Manohansa
- Live sculpture by Danushka Madhushan
- Ambidextrous Art by P. Pathmasiri Ranaweera
- A variety of cultural entertainment in the evening.
- Food and beverage offerings
- Since it is uncurated, both established artists and emerging artists can display their work.
- Since the event also facilitates meeting the artist, buyers can not only interact with the artist on their works available for sale but also discuss commissions for future orders.
More about the George Keyt Foundation: The George Keyt Foundation formed (GKF), by a group of George Keyt’s friends in 1988, is mandated to provide opportunities for the development of Art and Artists, promoting Art and assisting Sri Lanka. Since its inception, GKF has been a major promoter of the Arts in Sri Lanka for over 35 years.
More about John Keells Foundation and The John Keells Group: Arts falls within the focus area of Social Health and Cohesion which is one of the four focus areas of John Keells Foundation (JKF) – the CSR entity of John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH), Sri Lanka’s largest listed conglomerate in the Colombo Stock Exchange operating over 80+ companies in 7 diverse industry sectors. With a history of over 150 years, John Keells Group provides employment to over 18,000 persons and has been ranked as Sri Lanka's ‘Most Respected Entity’ for 20 Years by LMD Magazine. Whilst being a full member of the World Economic Forum and a Participant of the UN Global Compact, JKH drives its CSR vision of “Empowering the Nation for tomorrow” through JKF.
