Chitkara University Joins Hands with Cholamandal Village to Advance Fine Arts
A new chapter in India’s fine arts education and contemporary artistic discourse has begun as Chitkara University entered into a collaborative association with the renowned Cholamandal Artists’ Village. The initiative signals a forward-looking approach to building meaningful, structured engagement between academic art education and historic artistic practices that continue to shape India’s cultural identity. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Dr. Madhu Chitkara, Pro Chancellor, Chitkara University, along with Jacob Jebraj, Secretary, and Latha Gopal, Coordinator, Artists’ Handcrafts Association, Cholamandal Artists’ Village.
The collaboration aims to create opportunities for sustained interaction between students, scholars and established artists through specialised workshops, exhibitions and research-led projects. By encouraging practical engagement in addition to academic learning, the partnership seeks to prepare students for the evolving expectations of the creative industry. Plans are underway to introduce joint programs focusing on contemporary artistic expressions, preservation of traditional forms and critical inquiry into the changing role of visual arts in society. This association will open avenues for young artists and researchers to explore diverse mediums while gaining exposure to the lived experiences of practising artists.
The Cholamandal Artists’ Village, a landmark institution with decades of artistic legacy, has long been recognised for shaping the trajectory of modern Indian art. Its collaboration with Chitkara University brings academic expertise and institutional structure into dialogue with independent artistic exploration. Faculty members and artists from both sides will engage in knowledge-sharing sessions, curatorial practices and collaborative art-making formats that bridge the gap between theory and real-world applications. These activities are expected to support emerging artists and encourage them to approach their practice with depth, perspective and professional readiness.
Through this strategic partnership, students of Fine Arts will benefit from a wider understanding of India’s artistic heritage while also being encouraged to experiment with new ideas in contemporary art. Discussions are underway to host exhibitions that showcase works created through this collaborative process, providing visibility to young artists and creative researchers. The initiative is designed to nurture critical thinking, sharpen creative skills and build a network that connects academic spaces with artistic communities across the country.
As the association progresses, Chitkara University and the Cholamandal Artists’ Village aim to establish a sustained dialogue that supports artistic innovation while preserving India’s cultural roots. This collaboration marks a thoughtful step towards strengthening art education and expanding the scope of contemporary artistic practice in India.
