The 64th National Exhibition of Art, organised by the Lalit Kala Akademi, was inaugurated in New Delhi on Tuesday. This year’s edition stands out for introducing a first-of-its-kind initiative, where award-winning artworks will be available for sale, empowering artists and promoting India’s creative economy.
During the inauguration ceremony, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, lauded the Akademi’s forward-looking move, noting that the exhibition is not merely a display of art but a powerful platform that unites traditional, folk, tribal, and contemporary expressions from across India. He stated that enabling the sale of artworks is a vital step towards building self-reliance among artists and directly aligns with the National Mission on Cultural Mapping, which aims to identify and support artistic talent nationwide.
The Minister further underlined the increasing intersection of art, education, tourism, and employment, asserting that art today is a medium of social transformation. He praised the Lalit Kala Akademi for leading efforts to integrate artists into sustainable economic models, calling the initiative timely and visionary.
Echoing similar sentiments, Vivek Aggarwal highlighted that this year’s NEA received more than 5,900 submissions, out of which 283 artworks were selected through a rigorous two-tier jury process. The exhibition features a diverse range of mediums including painting, sculpture, graphics, installation, and photography.
During the ceremony, 20 artists were felicitated with the prestigious Lalit Kala Akademi Award for excellence in visual arts. Veteran artists Krishen Khanna, Ram V. Sutar, and Ira Chaudhari were also honoured for their lifetime contributions to Indian art and culture.
Two key publications were unveiled — the official 64th NEA Exhibition Catalogue and a special commemorative book titled Printmaker for All Seasons, celebrating the life and work of Padma Shri Shyam Sharma.
The exhibition was inaugurated at the Lalit Kala Akademi Galleries, Rabindra Bhavan, with a ceremonial ribbon cutting, lamp lighting, and a walkthrough by dignitaries. The show is now open to the public from August 6 to September 15, 2025, daily between 11:00 AM and 7:00 PM, offering a rare opportunity for visitors to engage with India’s contemporary art scene and purchase select award-winning pieces.
Established on August 5, 1954, the Lalit Kala Akademi has long served as India’s national institution dedicated to promoting the visual arts.
