George Keyt Foundation

Moments captured at Sri Lankan Artists 2024!

Sri Lankan Artists is a bi-annual exhibition, aimed at showcasing and bringing the spotlight to local talent within the shores of Sri Lanka.

Applications are now open for the 2026 edition of SLA - https://tinyurl.com/4sscvtz3

Artists aged 35 and above can now apply for Sri Lankan Artists, a bi-annual exhibition organised by the George Keyt Foundation, extending its decades-long efforts at discovering, recognising and providing long-term support to the Sri Lankan art scene.

The 2026 programme will culminate in an exhibition and public programming at Radicle Gallery, allowing the artists to exchange ideas, knowledge, and engage in discussions pertinent to their artmaking. See the link in bio for the full application process.

Application deadline: 11 October 2026.

See application link for the full application process and details - https://tinyurl.com/4sscvtz3

SRI LANKAN ARTISTS 2026

Keep an eye out for the application call-out for Sri Lankan Artists, a bi-annual exhibition organised by the George Keyt Foundation, with a focus on artists aged 35 and above. In its decades-long efforts at discovering, recognising and providing long-term support to Sri Lankan artists, the 2026 programme will culminate in an exhibition at Radicle Gallery alongside public programming such as presentations, guest talks and experimental formats of interaction between the artists and the wider public.

The George Keyt Foundation (GKF) acknowledges with deep sadness the passing of our former Deputy Chairman, Mr. Nihal Rodrigo.

Mr. Rodrigo’s illustrious diplomatic career never deterred him from being a passionate supporter of the arts. An artist in his own right, he was a talented sketcher, painter, and photographer. His personal friendship with Sri Lanka’s premier modernist artist, George Keyt, stemmed from his schoolboy days in Kandy. These personal ties endured over the decades. When the Foundation was established under the leadership of Cedric and Sita de Silva, Mr. Rodrigo supported the initiative in every possible way, consistently dedicating his time despite his demanding official commitments.

He served as the Deputy Chairman of GKF for many years while stationed in Colombo at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He was a constant, supportive presence at the Foundation’s numerous events and played an instrumental role in publishing the 2001 centennial volume on Keyt, A Centennial Anthology, to which he contributed the insightful article, "George Keyt: Incentives and Influences."
During his tenure, GKF actively spotlighted and celebrated emerging talent, helping to build a sustainable market where artists could truly derive value from their work—a legacy that continues to thrive today.

At the 2017 opening of Kala Pola, the annual art fair organized jointly by GKF and John Keells Holdings, Mr. Rodrigo aptly noted, "It (Kala Pola) has helped to provide livelihood means to many talented artists to become professionals, with some going on to make a name for themselves in the global arena."

We extend our sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.

A big thank you to our partners! British High Commission Colombo Lynear Wealth Management Nations Trust Bank CBH Lands Juniper Newsfirst.lk

As we turn the page to 2026, the George Keyt Foundation celebrates the enduring power of art to inspire, heal and bring communities together.

May the coming months bring renewed hope, quiet joy, and moments of shared beauty for all who encounter our work.

Together we will write a hopeful, compassionate chapter for the year to come. ✨