India Foundation For The Arts

The Arts Research Programme engages scholars, researchers, and practitioners in investigating diverse aspects of artistic practices in India. Its aim is to broaden perspectives and understanding of the arts. Proposals are welcomed from researchers and practitioners interested in conducting research projects under IFA's guidance. These projects may explore less-explored areas, foster dialogue between theory and practice, provide fresh interpretations of artistic practices, and utilize interdisciplinary approaches. IFA encourages projects in Indian languages, including English, to contribute to discourse in various linguistic contexts. Research projects are expected to have clear objectives, thorough background research, critical inquiries, rigorous methodologies, and specific publicly shared outcomes, such as books, essays, films, websites, or multimedia exhibitions. The Arts Research programme is supported by BNP Paribas India.

The Arts Practice programme, initiated in 2021, empowers artists to expand their creative boundaries. It encourages projects that challenge conventions, explore new content, forms, and mediums, engage with spaces and communities innovatively, and promote experimentation. These projects may involve exploring new ideas, creating art, facilitating dialogues through seminars and workshops, and building connections among practitioners. The programme welcomes work in Indian languages, fosters interdisciplinary collaborations, and supports proposals in various formats. IFA is committed to inclusivity by offering programmes accessible to diverse language communities.

IFA's Arts Education programme, a flagship since 1998-99, became Kali Kalisu in 2008-09. It offers arts-based teacher training in Karnataka's Government schools, fostering collaborations between artists and educators to develop projects rooted in local artistic traditions. This initiative integrates arts education into student development, encouraging a love for learning beyond the curriculum. Kali Kalisu aims to connect students, teachers, administration, and the community, promoting holistic growth. It works closely with the Department of Public Instructions to enhance teacher capacity building in Karnataka.

The Archives and Museums (AMP) programme, initiated in April 2019, revitalizes museums and archives as platforms for meaningful dialogue. It empowers institutions, scholars, and practitioners to creatively engage the public with materials from selected archives and museums. AMP encourages collaboration between institutions and individuals, fostering knowledge production and capacity building simultaneously. The programme comprises two project types conducted over a year:

Scholarly Projects: These enhance institutional knowledge, resulting in tangible outcomes like books and catalogues. The budget is capped at Rs 2 lakh, covering research and final outcomes.

Creative Projects: These support artistic interpretations of collections through exhibitions, films, workshops, or public engagements. Similar to scholarly projects, the budget is a maximum of Rs 2 lakh, encompassing research and final outcomes.

Project 560, "Bangalore, What's your Pincode?" by India Foundation for the Arts (IFA), transforms Bangalore into a versatile platform, inviting exploration of the city's multifaceted facets, from its voices, spaces, and histories to its memories, dreams, and expressions. It prompts questions about the city's identity and what it means to be a Bangalorean while fostering a continuous and enduring connection with Bangalore. The programme encompasses three project categories: Neighbourhood Engagements involve local community events, Arts Projects (Research/Practice) support critical inquiry into Bangalore's past, present, or future, and Curated Artistic Engagements encourage reflection through storytelling, music, performances, and discussions. All projects must be undertaken in Bangalore, with budgets up to Rs 5,00,000, and are made possible by support from the Sony Pictures Entertainment Fund and BNP Paribas India.