Ahmedabad's Kanoria Centre for Arts marks its 40th anniversary: "Urmila Kailash Black Box" launch

Kanoria Centre for Arts (KCA) in Ahmedabad is celebrating its 40th anniversary this week with a series of exciting events. Founded in 1984 by Urmila Kanoria, in collaboration with architect Dr. B.V. Doshi and the Ahmedabad Education Society, KCA has been a vital, non-profit space for nurturing creativity in the arts.

Over the years, it has become a cornerstone for emerging and established artists, fostering a community dedicated to cultural exchange and artistic expression.

To mark this milestone, KCA is hosting "Open Spaces", a week-long celebration inviting visitors to explore its expansive campus and engage in various artistic activities. The highlight of the celebrations is the inauguration of the "Urmila Kailash Black Box", a 1,656 sq ft multifunctional space designed for a range of performances and cultural events. The space will be officially launched on the 15th of November.

The anniversary events also include a photographic exhibition titled "Portraits & Spaces: Balkrishna Doshi in His Own Creations" by Vinay Panjwani, celebrating the architectural legacy of Dr. Doshi. Additionally, "An Invitation to Our Dyeing Studio", an exhibition by Studio Medium, will showcase traditional and contemporary dyeing practices in the Urmila Art Gallery.

KCA’s Honorary Director, Gargi Yadav, emphasised the Centre’s ongoing commitment to providing a creative platform for artists. Looking forward, Urmila Kanoria shared plans for future initiatives, including a Residency programme and Crafts Centre.

With its rich history and forward-thinking vision, KCA continues to play a pivotal role in Ahmedabad’s cultural landscape, inspiring new generations of artists.