A4A (artists for artists) production fund is a collaboration between the Udayshanth Fernando Foundation and SFG. Following a successful first experience in 2021, we are pleased to present the next instalment of the A4A production fund.
In keeping with our aim to provide an alternative to requesting artists to donate from their inventory, for the second round we are asking artists to consider painting a Ginger Jar, keeping with their unique vision. All funds raised from the auction will go towards the production fund to support young Sri Lankan artists and designers.
To register your interest in the auction please email: info@saskiafernandogallery.com
The Artists for Artists Production Fund (A4A) was an initiative launched by Saskia Fernando Gallery (SFG) in collaboration with Udayshanth Fernando Foundation (UFF) in October 2021. As Sri Lanka’s first publicly funded arts grant, aimed at fostering emerging artists in the region, A4A marked a milestone in Sri Lankan contemporary art. The final stage of the project was a group exhibition presenting works created over the subsequent year by the grantees of the fund, Aruni Dharmakirti, Lojithan Ram, and Randika de Silva that took place at SFG from 19 January – 11 February 2023.
The A4A Production Fund arrived at a critical time as Sri Lanka faces one of the worst economic crises in decades. By enabling young artists to continue researching and developing new bodies of work, this initiative addresses a long overdue gap in arts funding which has limited the scope for creative experiments in the region.
Speaking of the need for interventions such as these, Udayshanth Fernando, Founder of UFF elaborates, ‘The Foundation was born with the objective of elevating the local arts industry. The UFF believes in introducing the richness of Sri Lankan art to a global audience as a route to ensure its preservation and future growth. Moreover, an over emphasis on solely buying art to support art actually has an adverse effect on the artist’s career; instead, a focus on patronage that goes beyond simply collecting is essential to the industry’s survival.’