A tapestry of wonders

Located approximately 9 km from the scenic Adyar region of Chennai, the Cholamandal Artists' Village proudly stands as India's largest self-supporting artists' village and one of Asia's most triumphant artistic endeavours. Within its bounds, one finds a spectrum of artistic facilities, including the esteemed open-air theatre, Bharathi, serving as a space for stimulating discussions and conferences.

This village has garnered global acclaim and stands tall as an alluring tourist attraction. Notably, in 2009, the Cholamandal Centre for Contemporary Art welcomed the Museum of the Madras Movement, curating a splendid collection of works by prominent artists who played a pivotal role in shaping contemporary Indian art.

A canvas of remarkable tales

Rooted in the rich heritage of the Chola dynasty that cherished and encouraged arts from the 9th to 13th century CE, the Cholamandal Artists' Village carries forward an artistic legacy that transcends time. The artistic creations born here are celebrated not only within the borders of India but also across continents, with regular exhibitions in galleries spanning Europe, the United States, and South America.

As the village flourished in the 1970s, it achieved self-sufficiency and blossomed into a renowned meeting point for international artists in India. Out of the original 40 artists, only 21 Cholamandal artists are in the village today. Cholamandal does not accept new members, though it has at least a dozen artists living or working there at any time, plus many artists-in-residence are at work. Today, it stands as one of the few flourishing artists' colonies globally, harbouring the creative energies of exceptional artists from diverse backgrounds.