AYA: A platform for young talent

Thilak Palliyaguruge

It was a very pleasant evening in 2003. The tension and the unrest emanating from a tedious days work of organizing an exhibition of paintings at the Alliance française de Kandy came to an end. Alliance française de Kandy Director Dr Jacques Soulié joined us in our usual discussion on various aspects of aesthetic disciplines.

Committed to the vocation of the Institution - the promotion of language and culture, he emphasized the timely importance of bringing about a cultural program to encourage the up and coming youngsters in the aesthetic discipline, to open their eyes to the design, colour, rhythm, texture and pattern of the world around them in natural and manmade wonders. It is proposed to initiate suitable action to give fresh aesthetic vigor to them through an annual cultural event.

This proposal was timely and appropriate. Art as a subject has taken a back seat even in the State educational curriculum. The AYA (Alliance Young Artists) - the major annual cultural event in the cultural calendar of the Alliance française de Kandy - was the outcome of this discussion. AYA existed for eight years serving the art lovers of the Hill capital.

Those who were participants of this program have immensely benefited and enjoyed the wonders of the world of colour and design. Some fortunate and committed participants even organized solo exhibitions of their creations.

AYA, basically provides a platform for the young talents who have displayed creative appetite. Hence AYA 2010 will no doubt be an exciting creative experience of a rare caliber.

AYA 2010 will be held at the Alliance française de Kandy gallery, 642, Peradeniya Road, Kandy, from September 4 to 13.

The opening ceremony will take place on September 3 at 6.30 p.m. The Chief Guest will be Peradeniya University French Section Head and senior lecturer Dr Kusantha Herat.

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