A4A (Artists for Artists) Fundraiser 4th Edition
The Udayshanth and Angelika Fernando Foundation announces the upcoming fourth fundraiser auction for the Artists for Artists (A4A) Production Fund this August 2026. Established as Sri Lanka’s first and only local, community-led funding initiative designed specifically for younger (creative/art) practitioners, the A4A Production Fund continues its vital mission to provide a homegrown, accessible alternative to competitive international grants.
At the core of the upcoming August fundraiser is a unique act of solidarity: established contemporary artists creating a unique artwork, this year on ceramic. For this fourth edition, twenty-eight leading Sri Lankan artists have united in support of the initiative:
Ajantha Ranaweera, Anupa Perera, Arjuna Gunarathne, Catharina Danial, Chandraguptha Thenuwara, Darshini Rathnayake, Dileepa Jeewantha, Dumiduni Illangasinghe, Firi Rahman, Hashan Cooray, Hema Shironi, Jagath Ravindra, Jagath Weerasinghe, JC Rathnayake, Lahiru Sandaruwan, Lojithan Ram, Manaram Gamage, Namal Kumara, Pathum Gamage, Pradeep Thalawatte, Prageeth Manohansa, Prasad Hettiarachchi, Rasika de Silva, Ruwan Prasanna, Sameera Kalupahana, Sandatharaka Abeysinghe, Thisath Thoradeniya, and Yuwantha Yasas.
This year’s fundraiser features contributions from twenty eight leading Sri Lankan contemporary artists, each creating a unique artwork on an unglazed 15 inch ceramic plate each displayed on a custom designed stand. Proceeds from the auction will go towards supporting emerging artists through mentorship, production grants and exhibition platforms created to nurture their artistic journeys.
Exhibition of works open for viewing from --️ 25 - 30 August 2026
--Foundation Gallery, 3rd Floor, 138, Galle Road, Colombo 3
Each year, the A4A programme is designed to shortlist and mentor three to four emerging artists over an intensive three-month period. Beyond providing direct financial support toward their proposed projects, the fund ensures that every step of the creative and professional process is guided. This structured mentorship equips awardees with the confidence, practical knowledge, and hands-on experience needed to advance their careers, ultimately culminating in a dedicated group exhibition for the public.
Since its inception, the generosity of patrons and the art community has propelled the initiative to significant milestones. The fund has raised over LKR 10 million, supported ten emerging artists with production grants, and expanded its reach through specialised portfolio reviews. Furthermore, A4A extends its impact establishing international residency opportunities with regional partners such as Hampi Art Labs - India and India Art Fair’s Artist-in-Residency programme, Cité Internationale des Arts - Paris, the Siddhartha Arts Foundation - Nepal and VASL - Pakistan.
