64th National Art Exhibition Opens in Delhi with Historic Sale Initiative

In his keynote address, Shri Shekhawat called the exhibition a “vibrant cultural platform” that not only celebrates India’s creative expression but also “promotes self-reliance among artists.”

The 64th National Exhibition of Art (NEA), one of India’s most prestigious visual arts showcases, was inaugurated on August 5, 2025, at Rabindra Bhavan, New Delhi, marking a significant chapter in the country’s cultural journey. Organized by the Lalit Kala Akademi, India’s National Academy of Art under the Ministry of Culture, the exhibition brings together a breathtaking array of traditional, contemporary, tribal, and folk artworks from across the nation, while breaking new ground with a historic decision to allow sale of award-winning artworks—a first in the event’s history.

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A Cultural Milestone: Government’s Push for Art Economy

The inauguration ceremony was attended by a distinguished panel of guests including Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, who served as Chief Guest. He was joined by Shri Vivek Aggarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Ms. Amita Prasad Sarbhai, Additional Secretary, Shri Nand Lal Thakur, Vice Chairman, Lalit Kala Akademi, and Shri Rajeev Kumar, Secretary, Lalit Kala Akademi.

In his keynote address, Shri Shekhawat called the exhibition a “vibrant cultural platform” that not only celebrates India’s creative expression but also “promotes self-reliance among artists.” He praised the Akademi’s bold step to enable sales of award-winning works, saying it aligns perfectly with the National Mission on Cultural Mapping and the Government’s broader effort to integrate art into the creative economy.

“In today’s world, where art, culture, and economic development are increasingly interconnected, initiatives like these are timely and visionary. Art must move beyond museums—it must transform lives, support livelihoods, and empower communities,” said the Minister.

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283 Masterpieces from Over 5,900 Entries

This year’s exhibition features a meticulously curated collection of 283 artworks, selected from over 5,900 submissions through a two-tier jury process. The selected pieces represent a wide spectrum of media including paintings, sculptures, graphics, installations, photography, and mixed media—demonstrating India’s evolving yet deeply rooted visual language.

Ms. Amita Prasad Sarbhai noted the rich diversity of the works, adding, “This exhibition not only showcases the excellence of India’s artistic talent but also fosters creative dialogue across generations and genres.”

Shri Vivek Aggarwal emphasized the platform’s importance in encouraging artistic innovation and fostering creative communities. “The Lalit Kala Akademi has succeeded in creating a bridge between tradition and contemporary expression through this platform,” he said.

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Honouring Artistic Excellence and Legacy

In a grand gesture, 20 Lalit Kala Akademi Awardees were felicitated for their outstanding contributions in visual arts. These artists, representing diverse regions and practices, were recognized for pushing creative boundaries and bringing fresh narratives to Indian art.

Additionally, three veteran luminaries—Shri Krishen Khanna, Shri Ram V. Sutar, and Smt. Ira Chaudhari—were honoured for their lifetime contributions to Indian art and culture. Their monumental legacy continues to influence younger generations of artists and thinkers.

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A Platform for Innovation and Recognition

Two major publications were also launched at the event:

• 64th NEA Exhibition Catalogue – a comprehensive guide to the artworks and artists on display.

• “Printmaker for All Seasons” – a tribute to Padma Shri Shyam Sharma, a stalwart in Indian printmaking.

These documents not only celebrate individual excellence but also serve as crucial records of India’s cultural evolution.

The ceremonial ribbon-cutting and lamp lighting at the Lalit Kala Akademi Galleries symbolized the formal inauguration, followed by an exclusive walkthrough by dignitaries who engaged directly with the exhibiting artists.

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Public Participation and Art Ownership

Perhaps the most defining feature of this year’s exhibition is the introduction of direct artwork sales, marking a shift in how art is positioned in India. By making award-winning pieces available for purchase, the Akademi has opened doors for private collectors, art enthusiasts, and institutions to directly support living artists.

This move not only democratizes access to art ownership but also provides tangible support for India’s creative economy, giving artists a platform to monetize their talents and reach a wider audience.

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Exhibition Details

The 64th National Exhibition of Art is open to the public from August 6 to September 15, 2025, every day from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM at the Lalit Kala Akademi Galleries, Rabindra Bhavan, New Delhi.

This year’s NEA promises to be more than just an exhibition—it is a movement to mainstream Indian art, elevate its practitioners, and redefine how the nation perceives and values its cultural wealth.