By Artists, for Artists: A4A Production Fund Announces Fourth Edition in August 2026
By: Thasmina Sookoor
The Udayshanth and Angelika Fernando Foundation has announced the fourth edition of its Artists for Artists (A4A) Production Fund fundraiser, bringing together some of Sri Lanka’s leading contemporary artists in support of the country’s next generation of creative practitioners.
Taking place from 25–30 August 2026, the fundraiser will feature an online auction alongside a public exhibition at the Foundation Gallery in Colombo. At the heart of this year’s initiative is a simple but powerful act of solidarity: established artists creating and donating unique works to help emerging artists develop their practices and careers.
Established as Sri Lanka’s first local, community-led funding initiative specifically designed for younger creative practitioners, the A4A Production Fund offers a homegrown and accessible alternative to highly competitive international grant programmes. Through a combination of production funding, mentorship and exhibition opportunities, A4A aims to build a sustainable support system for emerging Sri Lankan artists.
28 Artists Come Together for A4A
For the fourth edition, 28 leading Sri Lankan artists have come together in support of the initiative:
Ajantha Ranaweera, Anupa Perera, Arjuna Gunarathne, Catharina Daniel, Chandraguptha Thenuwara, Dharshi Rathnayake, Dileepa Jeewantha, Dumiduni Illangasinghe, Firi Rahman, Hashan Cooray, Hema Shironi, Jagath Ravindra, Jagath Weerasinghe, JC Rathnayake, Lahiru Sandaruwan, Lojithan Ram, Manaram Gamage, Namal Kumara, Pathum Gamage, Pradeep Thalawatte, Prageeth Manohansa, Prasad Hettiarachchi, Rasika de Silva, Ruwan Prasanna, Sameera Kalupahana, Sandatharaka Abeysinghe, Thisath Thoradeniya and Yuwantha Yasas.
This year, participating artists have each been invited to create a unique work on an unglazed 15-inch ceramic plate, presented on a custom-designed stand. The ceramic format provides a shared starting point while allowing each artist to bring their own visual language and practice to the work.
The resulting collection will be offered through an online auction from 25–30 August 2026, with proceeds directed towards A4A’s programmes for emerging artists.
The works will also be available for the public to view throughout the auction period at the Foundation Gallery, 3rd Floor, 138 Galle Road, Colombo 3.
From Fundraising to Mentorship and Production
Funds raised through the auction directly support the A4A Production Fund’s programme for emerging artists.
Each year, A4A shortlists and mentors three emerging practitioners through an intensive three-month programme. In addition to direct financial support towards the production of their proposed projects, awardees receive structured mentorship throughout the creative and professional process.
The programme is designed to give emerging artists more than funding alone. Through close guidance, practical experience and sustained engagement, participants develop the knowledge and confidence needed to navigate the realities of professional artistic practice. The programme culminates in a dedicated group exhibition, providing the selected artists with a public platform to present their work.
In this way, each artwork purchased through the fundraiser contributes to a wider cycle of support, with established artists and patrons helping create tangible opportunities for those at an earlier stage of their careers.
More Than LKR 10 Million Raised
Since its inception, the A4A Production Fund has grown through the generosity of participating artists, patrons and Sri Lanka’s wider art community.
To date, the initiative has raised more than LKR 10 million and supported ten emerging artists with production grants, while also extending its reach through specialised portfolio reviews and professional development opportunities.
A4A has further expanded its impact beyond Sri Lanka by developing international residency opportunities and partnerships across the region and internationally. These include collaborations with Hampi Art Labs and India Art Fair’s Artist-in-Residence programme in India, Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris, Siddhartha Arts Foundation in Nepal, and VASL in Pakistan.
These opportunities form part of the Foundation’s broader commitment to connecting Sri Lankan practitioners with regional and international artistic networks while strengthening the infrastructure available to artists at home.
Building a Sustainable Future for Sri Lankan Artists
Now entering its fourth edition, the fundraiser demonstrates what can be achieved when an artistic community invests directly in its own future. Its “by artists, for artists” model brings together established practitioners, emerging talent, collectors and patrons in a shared effort to create opportunities that are locally rooted and sustainable.
The Udayshanth and Angelika Fernando Foundation invites art collectors, patrons and cultural enthusiasts to take part in this year’s fundraiser. By acquiring a work through the A4A auction, supporters directly contribute to mentorship, production grants, exhibitions and professional opportunities designed to nurture and elevate Sri Lanka’s next generation of creative talent.
Register Online: https://airauctioneer.com/a4a-artists-for-artists-fundraiser-4th-edition
For enquiries:
Udayshanth and Angelika Fernando Foundation
Michele Thurairaja: projectdirector@kalasouthasia.com
