CHOLAMANDAL ARTISTS VILLAGE, CHENNAI

Location: On The Mahabalipuram Road, 18-Km From Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Unique Symbol Of: Cooperative Enterprise And Community Living
Founded By: Mr. K. C. S. Paniker
Artists Comprise Of People From: Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala And Karnataka

Tamil Nadu Guide

Located on the Mahabalipuram Road, 18-km from Chennai, Cholamandal Artists Village was started in 1966 and is perhaps, the first of it's kind. It is said to be India's largest self-supporting art colony and one of the most successful in Asia. Mr. K. C. S. Paniker founded this village.

The Artists Colony
Cholamandal is unique in its own way. It is different from the other exclusive artist colonies in concept, character and context. Today Cholamandal is a unique symbol of cooperative enterprise and community living.

The basic framework of priorities for which it stands is safe in the hands of present members whose attachment to the village is very strong. There are provisions for Artist Aids through a fund created by the sale of paintings donated by the members. The Artists here comprise of people from Andhra Pradesh , Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka .

In an atmosphere of creativity, the artists live in harmony, exchanging ideas and exploring areas of common interest and striving for a new order based on shared principles, passions and perceptions. The artists and sculptors, who live and work in this seaside colony in idyllic surroundings, exhibit and sell their work, which consists of contemporary art, sculpture, Batik, terracotta and graphics.

Cholamandal has a permanent Art Gallery, an excellent library, studio facilities, a metal workshop, a brick kiln, an open-air theatre and a guesthouse. There is also a graphic press; a Kiln for Terracotta was set up with the help of a visiting Dutch potter. The Open Air Theatre is extremely popular here and many dance performances and poetry reading competitions are held in this theatre.

HOW TO GET THERE

Air: Chennai has an airport with both domestic and international terminals. Regular flights connect Chennai with the major cities within the country and also with countries like USA, Singapore, U.K etc.
Rail: Chennai station is the nearest railway station, which is well connected by rail with the important towns and cities within and beyond the state. The railway station at Chengalpattu (29-km away from Mahabalipuram) is also close by and trains for Chennai and several other major cities in South India are available from here.
Road: Government and private buses are available from Chennai and Mahabalipuram.

WHERE TO STAY

Accommodation is available at the hotels in Chennai or Mahabalipuram. Being the capital city of the state, Chennai is well equipped with various kinds of accommodation options, varying from economic class to luxurious ones. Varied accommodation options ranging from the luxurious ones to economic class hotels to lodges and beach resorts are available in Mahabalipuram.

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