Mysuru: The Fine Arts and Handicrafts Camp and Exhibition, organised as part of Mysuru Dasara 2026, was inaugurated at Chamarajendra Government College of Visual Arts (CAVA) in Siddarthanagar on October 11 by Kannada and Culture Minister Shivaraj S. Tangadagi.
The event aims to promote visual arts, traditional crafts and creative talent while providing a platform for artists and craftspeople to showcase their work. The programme includes exhibitions, handicraft displays, animation film screenings and cultural performances.
Minister assures ₹2 crore grant for CAVA
Speaking at the inauguration, Tangadagi said CAVA was established in 1913 as a technical educational school and that efforts had been made to strengthen visual arts education after Independence.
He assured that the ₹2 crore grant allocated in the State Budget for the institution’s development would be released soon.
The Minister also acknowledged the need for additional staff at the institution. He said certain issues related to reservation in recruitment had been resolved and that discussions would be held with the Department Secretary to expedite the creation of posts and recruitment through a Detailed Project Report.
Tangadagi noted that undergraduate students receive monthly financial assistance of ₹750, while postgraduate students are provided ₹1,000. He added that students trained at CAVA were finding good employment opportunities.
Exhibition open to the public
The Fine Arts and Handicrafts Camp and Exhibition is being held at CAVA from October 11 to 14. Visitors can explore the displays between 10.30 am and 6.30 pm.
The programme brings together fine arts and handicrafts, offering visitors an opportunity to experience different creative practices during the Dasara festivities.
Animation short films are being screened from October 12 to 14, with sessions scheduled from noon to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 4 pm. Cultural programmes have also been arranged during the event, providing an additional attraction for visitors.
Kala Jathre scheduled for October 18
A day-long ‘Kala Jathre’ will be held at CAVA on October 18 from 9 am to 7 pm. The event will provide a platform to showcase and promote artistic works and creative expression.
The wider Dasara fine arts programme also features activities intended to encourage participation from artists, students and art enthusiasts.
Officials attend inauguration
The inauguration was attended by Karnataka Shilpakala Academy Chairman M.C. Ramesh, Kannada and Culture Department Secretary N. Manjushree, Department Director K.M. Vasundhara and Archaeology, Museums and Heritage Department Commissioner A. Devaraju.
The programme forms part of Mysuru’s annual Dasara celebrations, which bring together cultural events, exhibitions and artistic activities across the city.
With its focus on fine arts, handicrafts and animation, the CAVA exhibition adds to the cultural offerings of Dasara 2026 while highlighting the importance of supporting art education and providing opportunities for artists to reach the public.