Chennai:
Madras Art Guild, the public art festival supported by Yuj Arts Foundation, announced the inauguration of its month-long, third edition today. Madras Art Guild 2023 encourages creative explorations around the theme of “A Fine Balance”, through partnerships with leading institutions and notable individuals from the city’s artistic community. The theme was chosen with the aim of examining the delicate relationship between human beings and their environment, with a special focus on climate change and sustainability. Over 200 art installations, sculptures, paintings, and photographs will be displayed at the festival. Collaborators and institutions this year include SRM Institute, South India Film Institute, Dessin, Da Venn, The Lasya, Kalai Sangamam, SIIHM, Global Art School, Chennai Photo Biennale, Cholamandal Artist’s Village, Australian Consulate General, Pondicherry Banner Artists, International Foundation for the Arts, Madras Art Weekend, Oh scrap! Madras and Niren Mehta. Some of the renowned artists displaying their works this year are Kadambari Mishra [Iconic Women Project], Arthi, Karthik, Vishakha Hardikar Mall and Athiveerapandian. VR Chennai is the venue partner, and the festival is also supported by Madras House, ALT, Suryan FM, Lifestyle and Nova. 
One of the key highlights of the Madras Art Guild this year is a stunning photo exhibition in association with UNESCO New Delhi office. The exhibition, based on the UNESCO publication “A Braided River: The Universe of Indian Women in Science”, features charismatic portraits of women scientists who have made their mark in various domains of science. The publication studies the complex issue of gender inequality in the sphere of science and technology and tries to mainstream gender sensitivity in science education and related careers, in a way that inspires action to achieve a fine balance. 
The festival was inaugurated on 22 nd September 2023 by Honorable Consul General of Republic of Korea in India, Mr. Chang-Nyun Kim and Honorable Deputy Consul General of Japan in India, Mr. Miyata Kenji in the presence of renowned actor Siddharth and contemporary artist Trotsky Marudu. The launch commenced with the unveiling of the ‘Kala Kar,’ followed by “Wearable Art” – a Fashion Showcase by students from NIFT, ICAD & SRM at the Skydeck and culminated with a viewing of ‘A Fine Balance’ – 2023 Art Exhibit. The venue partner, VR Chennai, will be a hub of artistic activity, with installations, exhibitions, an art bazaar, art workshops, the young artists program, literature festival and several other exciting events. 
Sumi Gupta, Curator of Madras Art Guild, said, “I am thrilled to steer this fantastic project which has incredible collaborations with institutions and student artists in Chennai, creating a vibrant platform for large-scale installations, sculptures, mixed media works and photography. Madras Art Guild 2023 brings together a community of connoisseurs, art students, patrons as well as the people of Chennai in a celebration of the city’s art and culture. Through festivals like these, we not only offer a platform to budding artists but also nurture a sense of belonging and reverence for the city’s rich cultural heritage.” 
Madras Art Guild is supported by The Yuj Arts Foundation and is also part of VR Chennai’s Connecting Communities© initiative that aims to encourage civic pride, strengthen the local economy, and enhance the city’s national and international image.