Lalit Kala Akademi awards 2026: Murmu urges support for emerging artists
Synopsis
President Droupadi Murmu used the Lalit Kala Akademi awards ceremony to go beyond the routine felicitation — pressing for technology training for artists in remote areas, real market access, and art that moves out of galleries into schools and public spaces. It was as much a policy call as a prize-giving.
Key Takeaways
President Droupadi Murmu presented Lalit Kala Akademi awards at the 65th National Exhibition of Art on 21 October 2026 in New Delhi .
She also felicitated Grand Prize winners and Honourable Mentions from the 3rd Print Biennale India, 2026 .
Murmu called for technology training for artists from remote areas to help them compete on wider platforms.
She highlighted the need for financial support and access to art markets and collectors beyond creative opportunities alone.
The President urged art to move beyond gallery walls into schools , universities , and public spaces .
President Droupadi Murmu on 21 October 2026 presented the Lalit Kala Akademi awards to selected artists at the 65th National Exhibition of Art in New Delhi, reaffirming the government's commitment to India's visual arts ecosystem. The ceremony also felicitated Grand Prize winners and recipients of Honourable Mentions from the 3rd Print Biennale India, 2026.
A Celebration of India's Artistic Diversity
Addressing the gathering, President Murmu described the event as a celebration of India's artistic heritage, cultural diversity, and contemporary creativity. 'Through this event, we are celebrating the rich tradition of India's diverse arts, its creative energy, and its ever-evolving artistic expressions,' she said. She further noted that art extends far beyond paintings on canvas or sculptures carved from stone, calling it a mirror of collective memory, lived experience, and national aspiration.
Bridging Tradition and Technology
President Murmu highlighted the urgency of equipping artists from remote areas with training in new technologies and contemporary techniques, so they can compete on wider platforms. This bridging of traditional and modern practice, she argued, is essential for keeping India's artistic traditions alive and globally competitive. 'Art is a reflection of our culture. It reflects the memories, experiences of the present, and aspirations for the future,' she observed.
Financial Support and Market Access
Beyond creative encouragement, the President drew attention to the practical challenges artists face — from limited financial support to restricted access to art markets and collectors. She expressed satisfaction that the Lalit Kala Akademi and the Ministry of Culture are actively working to facilitate the sale of artworks, providing livelihood pathways for practitioners at all career stages.
Art Beyond Gallery Walls
Calling for a broader democratisation of art, Murmu urged that creative works reach schools, universities, public spaces, and wider sections of society — not remain confined to galleries. 'Let us provide ample opportunities to young and emerging artists to develop their talent, explore new mediums, and expand their creative potential,' she said.
Institutional Commitment on Display
The event was organised under the aegis of the President's Secretariat and the Ministry of Culture, signalling coordinated institutional backing for India's art sector. The ceremony underscored an ongoing policy push to nurture both traditional practitioners and the next generation of creators, ensuring the vitality of Indian visual arts on the national stage.
Point of View
Market access gaps, and the confinement of art to galleries. That specificity matters: Lalit Kala Akademi has historically been criticised for being Delhi-centric and disconnected from grassroots practitioners. Whether the Ministry of Culture translates these stated priorities into budgetary commitment — training infrastructure, market-linkage programmes, school integrations — is the real question the ceremony left unanswered.
NationPress
21 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Lalit Kala Akademi National Exhibition of Art?
The Lalit Kala Akademi National Exhibition of Art is India's premier government-backed showcase of contemporary visual arts, held annually under the Ministry of Culture. The 65th edition in 2026 featured award presentations by President Droupadi Murmu alongside recognition of Print Biennale India winners.
Who presented the Lalit Kala Akademi awards in 2026?
President Droupadi Murmu presented the awards on 21 October 2026 at a ceremony in New Delhi. She also felicitated Grand Prize winners and Honourable Mention recipients from the 3rd Print Biennale India, 2026.
What did President Murmu say about emerging artists?
President Murmu called for ample opportunities for young and emerging artists to develop talent and explore new mediums. She specifically urged support for artists from remote areas through training in new technologies and contemporary techniques.
What practical challenges did the President highlight for artists?
Beyond creative opportunities, Murmu pointed to limited financial support, restricted access to art markets, and insufficient connections with collectors as key challenges. She noted that the Lalit Kala Akademi and Ministry of Culture are working to encourage the sale of artworks.
What is the Print Biennale India?
The Print Biennale India is a government-backed biennial exhibition dedicated to printmaking as a visual art form. The 3rd edition in 2026 saw its Grand Prize winners and Honourable Mention recipients felicitated at the same ceremony as the 65th National Exhibition of Art.
