Uttarayan Art Foundation

Founded at the beginning of the 21st century, the Uttarayan Art Foundation (UAF) was envisioned as a dynamic space dedicated to fostering creativity and supporting artists. Established in 2005 along the serene banks of the Mahi River in Jaspur, near Vadodara, UAF has since become a vibrant hub for artistic exploration and cultural dialogue.

Regularly visited by artists, intellectuals, government officials, and art enthusiasts, the Centre has flourished under the passionate guidance of Uma and Rakesh Agrawal. Their unwavering commitment to the arts has been instrumental in shaping UAF into the thriving space it is today. As dedicated patrons, they continue to nurture and expand its vision, ensuring a lasting legacy for the artistic community.

Spanning approximately 50 acres in the village of Jaspur, the Centre has evolved into a dynamic space where artists from around the world come together to experiment, collaborate, and exchange ideas. Designed to support diverse artistic practices, the campus features dedicated studios for painting, printmaking, sculpture, digital art, ceramic art, and Tribal and Folk art, fostering a truly inspiring creative environment.

The mission of the Uttarayan Art Foundation (UAF) is both broad in vision and deeply connected to the visual and plastic arts community. It is driven by the belief that art has the power to strengthen communities and serve as a catalyst for cultural transformation. At its core, UAF is committed to the idea that the arts are essential to a progressive and inclusive society. To fulfill this vision, we conduct fully equipped residency programs across various disciplines of visual arts, including art-related writing and theory. Additionally, UAF serves as a premier platform for artistic exchange, bringing together artists, art historians, and theorists from around the world to collaborate, share ideas, and inspire creative growth.