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Launched in 2014, PhotoSparks is a weekly feature from YourStory, with photographs that celebrate the spirit of creativity and innovation. In the earlier 920 posts, we featured an art festival, cartoon gallery. world music festival, telecom expo, millets fair, climate change expo, wildlife conference, startup festival, Diwali rangoli, and jazz festival. Bangalore International Centre (BIC) recently hosted the 2025 edition of the Kala for Vidya fundraising exhibition (see our coverage of earlier exhibitions at this popular cultural hub here). The fundraiser was organised by the Rotary Club of Bangalore (RCB) to support the education of around 450 underserved children at the Rotary Bangalore Vidyalaya in Nagdevanahalli. The 18th annual edition of the fundraiser exhibition featured over 200 paintings and 20 sculptures by 155 artists at the BIC venue, and will also be on sale via RCB’s online platform. See our earlier coverage of the 2024 and 2022 fundraisers. “The art-buying audience needs more time and touchpoints. The two-day physical exhibition, while well-attended, does not allow enough time for buyers to deliberate on purchases,” Sandeep Ohri, Director of International Service at Rotary Club of Bangalore, tells YourStory. Therefore, the exhibition and sales activity have been extended online through December this year. The exhibition team has also invested in content-rich digital marketing to promote the artworks and artists. The showcase features emerging talent alongside established masters. “The artworks are at price points lower than commercial galleries, and every purchase directly funds a child's education. Approximately Rs 10,000 covers one year of schooling for one child,” Ohri adds. “Art has the power to transform lives – both for the creators and for those who benefit from its sale,” he affirms. The artist lineup, some of whose works are featured in this photo essay series, includes Vishwanath Hegde, Abdulla Pathan, Varunachar G, Vasudevan A, Srinivasan Vedha, Banani Kundu, C Mullairajan, and Paridhi Jhanwar. Ohri assures artists that RCB Is committed to creating platforms that give fair compensation, professional presentation, and extended visibility. “This isn't just about selling art – it is about building sustainable careers while serving a greater purpose,” he explains. Ohri also has a message for the broader audience. “Whether you buy art or not, please share our platform with your networks. All of this helps artists get discovered and helps children get educated,” he suggests. RCB’s commitment to service was also reflected in the exhibition’s inauguration. “Instead of inviting a celebrity chief guest for a photo opportunity, we chose to honour four of our senior Rotarians,” Ohri says. The featured Rotarians were Sitalakshmi Chinappa, Meera Shankar, Shanti Baliga, and Srichand Rajpal. “They collectively represent nearly 200 years of community service,” he says. “It was our way of demonstrating that legacy and service matter more than spotlight and celebrity. This aligned with RCB's broader Legacy beyond Ourselves campaign for our new Rotary House of Friendship building,” he adds. Looking ahead, Ohri is excited about hosting not just an annual fundraising event, but sustainable infrastructure that serves artists year-round while generating continuous impact for children's education. “This is a model that could be replicated by other Rotary clubs and service organisations – using art as a sustainable fundraising mechanism while supporting creative communities,” he suggests. As trends in India’s artistic landscape, exhibition curator Jyoti C Singh Deo points to the rise of technology and digital media. “The surge in expression of art, be it through performance and interaction, has also been trending,” she says. “Textile is witnessing a new lease of life. More artists are digging into our illustrious past and creating patterns that combine the old and new,” she adds. She also highlights three outstanding art festivals in India – Kochi-Muziris Biennale, India Art Fair, and Kala Ghoda Art Festival. The Kochi-Muziris Biennale is held every two years in Fort Kochi, Kerala, with installations, video art, and performance art by Indian and international artists. “The entire city is transformed into a living art gallery — with heritage buildings, streets, and warehouses as exhibition spaces. It also fosters dialogue on global and local issues through art,” Deo describes. “India Art Fair, the country’s premier commercial art fair, brings together galleries, collectors, artists, and curators. Kala Ghoda Arts Festival is diverse and its art is affordable too,” she adds. The artistic journey is rewarding – but also full of ups and downs, twists and turns. “An artist must reflect on what didn’t work and understand why. One needs to embrace critique, experiment with new approaches, and stay open to growth,” Deo observes. “Such a mindset can turn setbacks into learning opportunities. Resilience is yet another quality every artist must have as they need to sustain all odds,” she adds. As an artist herself, Deo has been painting and creating sculptures for over three decades. “I will be exhibiting my works in a solo show sometime in 2026. Art curation has also kept me busy as there are various projects lined up,” she says. Two years ago, she launched a digital magazine called Art and Design Dimensions. “That keeps me occupied with art events and activities happening around me. The magazine features artists and art events,” she adds. “Artists pour their souls into their work but leave their voices silent. It is important that artists develop their statement,” she advises. This bridges the gap between creation and connection. “Without words, the meaning may drift, unseen or misunderstood," she cautions. "Art speaks—but the artist must help it be heard,” Deo signs off. Now what have you done today to pause in your busy schedule and harness your creative side for a better world? (All photographs taken by Madanmohan Rao on location at Bangalore International Centre.) (Edited by Megha Reddy)
