OHC26: Vibhavi Academy of Fine Arts [Tour]

Join a tour by Chandraguptha Thenuwara as part of Open House Colombo 2026.

Vibhavi Academy of Fine Arts (VAFA) offers studio-based programs that balance academic study with a liberal, avant-garde approach to developing individual artistic personalities in the context of culturally diverse Sri Lanka. Founded in 1993 by artist Chandraguptha Thenuwara, VAFA is a non-profit organisation offering an alternative art education to students who are unable to access, or have been marginalised by, the state art institutions or educational system. 

The Academy will relaunch with new programs in 2026. With courses taught by practising artists and scholars, VAFA’s goal is to give students a strong foundation in theoretical and technical artistic knowledge that is relevant to their own social and cultural identity. 

Visitors to VAFA will be able to tour the studios and workshops with Chandraguptha, who teaches and practices at the Academy. Chandraguptha’s own work focuses on issues surrounding the impact of war in Sri Lanka. He recently retired as a Professor of History and Art Theory at the University of the Visual and Performing Arts and previously served as the President of the Arts Council of Sri Lanka. 

Address: 261 F Sandasiripura, Bodhiraja Mawatha, Oruwela

Google map link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/eRh7tfcBkPAwbnVc7