Mysuru: The Mysuru Dasara Visual Artists Association has been formed to represent and safeguard the interests of visual artists in Mysuru district, particularly in connection with works undertaken during the annual Dasara celebrations.

Association President Prakash Chikkapalya announced the formation while releasing the organisation’s logo at Pathrakarthara Bhavan recently. He said the association would work towards addressing what local artists consider a lack of opportunities in Dasara-related works.

Association raises concerns over Dasara opportunities

According to Prakash Chikkapalya, local visual artists have faced difficulties in securing work connected with Dasara celebrations over the past two years. He alleged that tenders for certain works were being awarded to individuals or agencies without experience in the visual arts industry, thereby reducing opportunities for artists from Mysuru.

He said the newly formed association would take up such concerns and seek greater participation of local artists in Dasara-related activities.

The association’s formation comes at a time when preparations for Mysuru Dasara 2026 are underway, with several artistic and cultural activities being organised as part of the celebrations. Visual artists traditionally contribute to the preparation of tableaux, decorative installations and stalls associated with various departments and Dasara venues.

More than 1,500 artists claimed to be affected

Prakash said artists working in painting and sculpture have traditionally undertaken the creation of tableaux and stalls at the Dasara Exhibition Grounds.

However, he alleged that private event management agencies and political party workers have, in recent years, been receiving some of these works through influence. According to him, more than 1,500 artists have been affected by the situation.

These claims were made by the association president while outlining the reasons for forming the organisation. The association has said it intends to represent the concerns of local artists before the authorities and seek opportunities for them in Dasara-related projects.

Association plans to approach Government

Prakash said the issue had already been brought to the notice of the District Minister and the Deputy Commissioner. He added that the association would submit a memorandum to the Chief Minister highlighting the concerns of visual artists in the district.

The association is seeking attention from the authorities towards the participation of local artists in Dasara works and wants the experience and skills of artists based in Mysuru to be considered while awarding relevant projects.

Dasara has traditionally provided a platform for artists and cultural practitioners from Mysuru and other parts of Karnataka. Recent Dasara programmes have included opportunities for artists across different disciplines, while the Fine Arts and Handicrafts Sub-Committee has also undertaken workshops and art camps as part of the festival.

Artists threaten to stay away from tendered works

The association has also taken a firm position regarding works that are awarded to others through the tender process.

Prakash said local artists would not participate in Dasara works if the contracts were awarded to others. The statement indicates that the association intends to use collective participation as a means of highlighting the concerns of the local visual arts community.

The association’s demand comes as preparations for Dasara 2026 gather pace. The festival includes a range of cultural and artistic activities across Mysuru, with visual arts playing a role in the decoration, presentation and creation of installations connected with the celebrations.

Focus on local talent during Dasara

The formation of the Mysuru Dasara Visual Artists Association highlights the wider demand for opportunities for local creative professionals during the city’s flagship festival.

Mysuru has a strong visual arts tradition, with institutions such as the Chamarajendra Government College of Visual Arts (CAVA) contributing to the development of artists in painting, sculpture, graphics and other disciplines. The Dasara celebrations have also been used as a platform for art camps and exhibitions.

In 2026, a sand mould and cement art workshop was organised at CAVA as part of the Dasara celebrations, while a Kavi Art Camp and a graphics wood-crafting camp were also held around the festival period. Such initiatives provide opportunities for artists and students to display and develop their skills.

The newly formed association is expected to focus on ensuring that local visual artists receive a greater share of opportunities connected with such large-scale public celebrations.

Office-bearers and artists attend logo release

Several artists and representatives were present during the logo release programme at Pathrakarthara Bhavan.

Those present included Akmal Pasha, Deviprasad Shetty, Ranganath Kirikiri, Gopalkrishna, N.S. Ramesh and Akshay Kumar.

The association will now take forward its stated objectives by approaching government authorities and seeking greater involvement of Mysuru’s visual artists in Dasara-related works.