Sketching A New Canvas

The MoU signing between Brigade Group and the Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage, Government of Karnataka.

Brigade Foundation to Renovate Venkatappa Art Gallery in Bengaluru

Brigade Foundation, a not-for-profit trust established by the Brigade Group, is currently engaged in a significant restoration project for the Venkatappa Art Gallery, in collaboration with the Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage. The primary goal of this initiative is to breathe new life into the gallery, enhancing its historical appeal, improving its exhibitions and refining its external landscaping.

The three-storey gallery houses temporary and permanent spaces for Krishnappa Venkatappa’s, K.K. Hebbar’s, and C.P. Rajarama’s artworks. Venkatappa, born in 1886, studied Fine Arts in Mysore and Calcutta, excelling in Veena and Plaster of Paris relief works. Since its 1975 inception, the gallery suffered deterioration, necessitating comprehensive repairs, design enhancements, and gallery space additions.

In September 2023, Brigade finalized a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for this project, in the esteemed presence of the Honorable Chief Minister of Karnataka, Shri Siddaramaiah, and M R Jaishankar, Lifetime Trustee of Brigade Foundation.

The art gallery will be revitalized, adopting a contemporary, minimalistic, artistic design language. The vibrant colors will infuse a sense of freshness. In addition to the design, the gallery will feature all essential modern amenities expected of a premier art venue.

M R Jaishankar was felicitated by the Honorable Chief Minister of Karnataka, Shri. Siddaramaiah and Shri. H. K. Patil, Hon'ble Minister for Law & Parliamentary Aairs, Legislation, and Tourism, Govt. of Karnataka.

Our restoration efforts officially began with a ceremonial Pooja in January 2024, attended by distinguished dignitaries such as Shri. H. K. Patil, the Hon'ble Minister for Law & Parliamentary Affairs, Legislation, and Tourism, Government of Karnataka; Smt. Salma K. Fahim, IAS Secretary, Tourism, Government of Karnataka; Dr. Ram Prasath Manohar, IAS Director of Tourism; Shri Devaraju A., KAS Commissioner, Department of Archaeology, Museums & Heritage; M R Jaishankar, Executive Chairman of Brigade Group and Lifetime Trustee of Brigade Foundation, alongside other prominent representatives from the Government of Karnataka and Trustees of Brigade Foundation.

We aim to complete this restoration within the next ten months.

This endeavor reflects Brigade Foundation's commitment to fostering community development and nurturing art and culture within the state.