The Kanoria Centre for Arts (KCA), a pioneering institution in arts and culture, is celebrating its 40th anniversary with the launch of the ‘Urmila Kailash Black Box’ – a new 1656 sq ft multifunctional space designed to host a wide range of artistic events. Sangita Jindal will inaugurate the space on 15 November, adding to KCA’s dynamic offerings for the arts community.
The Urmila Kailash Black Box is more than a traditional gallery; it is a versatile hall intended for diverse events, including dance performances, theatrical productions, and arts and crafts exhibitions. This new venue exemplifies KCA’s ongoing commitment to fostering creativity and cultural expression.
Founded in 1984 by Chairperson Urmila Kanoria, KCA has served as a vital, non-profit platform for emerging and established artists. Created in collaboration with celebrated architect Dr B.V. Doshi and the Ahmedabad Education Society, the centre has long been a nurturing space for creative talent.
Marking the 40-year milestone, KCA is hosting “Open Spaces,” a series of events inviting art enthusiasts to explore the expansive campus.
Addressing a press conference, Urmila Kanoria expressed her pride in KCA’s growth, saying, “Kanoria Centre for Arts was born out of a vision to create a community that values creativity and cultural exchange. Over four decades, it has remained dedicated to enriching our artistic community. I am deeply grateful to everyone who has helped make this a thriving hub of art and culture.”
Furthermore, Kanoria shared her plans with Vibes of India to establish a craft centre within KCA, noting the rise in popularity of traditional crafts and her intent to secure funding to support talented artists in this field.
As part of the celebrations, KCA will present Portraits & Spaces: Balkrishna Doshi in His Own Creations, a photographic exhibition by Vinay Panjwani that captures Dr Doshi’s iconic architectural works. The opening will also feature a performance by artist Manasi Karani and her ensemble in the newly inaugurated Black Box.
Other events include An Invitation to Our Dyeing Studio by Studio Medium in the Urmila Art Gallery, showcasing traditional and contemporary dyeing techniques, and Tapestry of Space, an exhibition of architectural models based on Dr Doshi’s work.
KCA Director Gargi Yadav emphasised the centre’s legacy and future vision, saying, “The 40th anniversary is not only a celebration of the Centre’s legacy but also an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to creativity and providing a space to explore and express. We hope to connect with the community through these events and showcase the spirit of collaboration that is at the heart of the Centre.”
Yadav highlighted that the centre has hosted over 1,000 exhibitions over the past four decades.
