By Dushiyanthini KanagasabapathipillaiThe third Theertha International Artists’ Workshop 2006 was held at the Ratnasiri Wickramanayake Training Centre in Hantana, Kandy. Eighteen artists from Nigeria, India, Hong Kong, Iran, Argentina, Nepal, Kuwait, Pakistan, Australia and Sri Lanka participated. The artists stayed here for two weeks, exchanged their experience and experimented their creativity. The opening day was held on April 01, 2006.
The artists have exchanged their ideas, and explored the possibilities to work together beyond cultural, ethnic, geographical, language and religious barriers.
The first Theertha International Artists’ Workshop was held in 2001, and the second was held in 2003. Theertha is an autonomous, artist led non profit initiative, which was established in 2000, and based in Colombo. Although Theertha has worked for the artists’ community in Sri Lanka since its inception, it has started to spread its wings globally as well.
Theertha has three different functions. The main function is as an umbrella organization for formal and informal organizations and individuals, which are interested to support the artists’ community. The second function is as a home for the artists of their artistic requirements, facilitate their rights and issues and give guidance. The final function is as a facitator and promoter of Sri Lankan art and artists regionally and globally.
Theertha’s objective is to widen and strengthen vital new links and formulate networks with art communities in Africa, the Asia Pacific Rim, Euro- America and especially with the neighboring countries. Theertha is committed towards developing a South Asian network for the arts and artists.
