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What is Theertha?

Theertha is an autonomous, artist-led non-profit initiative based in Colombo. It was established in 2000 to facilitate the local community of artists in innovation, experimentation, exchange and dialogue within Sri Lanka.

Theertha since its inception has grown from a small informal group to an organization with 17 resource persons (mostly visual artists) working on a number of projects that include publication, teacher training, international workshops/ residencies, exhibitions, computer training, website development and sustaining regional and international connections.

After four years of working for the artists' community locally, Theertha has in more recent times emerged as an organization with a triple function.

One is to function as an umbrella organization for informal and formal organizations and individuals that are interested in working for the artists' community who have similar aspirations as Theertha.

The second is as a ' home' that supports and nurtures artists and address their artistic requirements, negotiate artists' rights and issues and guide through their personal crises.

The third function is as a negotiator, facilitator and promoter of Sri Lankan art and artists in the international and regional art scenes.

The Core Objective:

The core objective of Theertha International Artists' Collective is to explore the possibilities of exchanging ideas and knowledge across ethnic, regional and artistic borders, in the context of contemporary critical art practice in Sri Lanka.

The explicit objectives of Theertha are:

To encourage experiments in artistic possibilities by providing a conducive environment to stimulate artistic exploration.

To widen and strengthen vital new links and formulate networks with art communities in Africa, the Asia Pacific Rim, Euro- America and especially our neighboring countries; we are committed towards developing a South Asian network for the arts.

To foster a climate of debate and dialogue within the public realm about diverse art practices employed by artists belonging to varing cultural, ethnic and geographical backgrounds.

To provide documentation of educational, local and international outreach programs, produce written texts dealing with art and its politics, maintain art archives, publish quality art catalogues, and produce video documentation and other art related material.

To enhance and update local art education qualitatively by undertaking the training of art teachers in regional areas.

Principle Funders:

HIVOS
FORD Foundation

Theertha Core Group:

Jagath Weerasinghe (Chairman) ,Anoli Perera (Secretary), G. R. Constantine (Treasurer), Pradeep Chandrasiri (Asst. Treasurer), K. Pushpakumara, Bandu Manamperi , Niranjala Gunasinghe, Pala Pothupitiya ,Anura Krishatha, T. P. G. Amarajeewa. Manjula Priyadharshana, Sarath Kumarasiri, Nilanthi Weerasekera, Kapila Palihawadana, Janani Cooray.

Theertha Working Team:

Jagath Weerasinghe
Anoli Perera
G. R. Constantine
K. Pushpakumara
Bandu Manamperi
Pradeep Chandrasiri
Niranjala Gunasinghe
Pala Pothupitiya
Anura Krishatha
Titus Marasinghe
Jananada Laksiri
Prasanna Ranabahu
Thisath Thoradeniya
Arjuna Gunarathne
P. L. L. M. Manage
P. S. D. Perera

Theertha Partners:

ArtLab
Colombo Institute for the Advanced Study of Society & Culture
Vibhavi Academy of Fine Arts
Sethu Site for Visual Culture
Nadee Cultural Centre
H. W. Architects
Triangle Network (UK)
Khoj International (India)
Britto Arts Trust (Bangladesh)
Vasl ( Pakistan)
Suthra (Nepal)
Millesgarden (Sweden)
Far Eastern Museum for Antiquities (Sweden)