Sunaparanta - Goa Center for the Arts, Goa 🎨⛱️ Immerse in Art and Culture at Sunaparanta
Nestled in the serene Altinho hills of Panjim, the Sunaparanta, Goa Centre for the Arts, is a vibrant cultural hub that offers a delightful blend of traditional Goan charm and contemporary art. Founded in 2009 by the visionary Dattaraj V. Salgaocar, this non-profit center aims to preserve Goa's artistic legacy while fostering modern creative expressions.
The term "Sunaparanta" is rooted in Buddhist tradition, combining "Suna" (a place) and "Aparanta" (the region of fierce people), aptly reflecting the center's bold and dynamic approach to art. Housed in a beautifully restored Portuguese bungalow, the center boasts terracotta roofs, sweeping staircases, and a central courtyard that enhances its rustic yet grand aesthetic.
Art lovers can immerse themselves in a variety of exhibitions featuring both local and international artists. The center is well-known for its eclectic programming, including the annual Sensorium Festival, which explores the intersection of various art forms such as photography, literature, and cinema. Additionally, the Shanghvi Salons offer intellectually stimulating discussions with renowned personalities from the creative world.
Sunaparanta also hosts workshops, film screenings, and children's programs, making it a lively space for artistic engagement. Notable programs include "Film for Thought," which screens critically acclaimed films, and "In Stages," a theatre workshop for teenagers.
The open-air Café Al Fresco is a must-visit, serving delectable dishes in a charming setting. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a leisurely meal while soaking in the artistic ambiance.
Open from Monday to Saturday, 10 AM to 6:30 PM, Sunaparanta is a cultural gem in Goa that transcends the typical beach-centric allure of the state. Entrance is free, though certain events may require prior...
Read moreWhen I visit an art gallery, museum or exhibition space, I look for engagement, interaction and contextual narrative. All three were missing in my first visit to Sunaparanta. There was no one at the entrance or reception to set the tone or context of what to expect at the art centre and new visitors wouldn't know how to navigate The space and what they could look forward to. The ongoing photography exhibition features works by Udaipur-based photographer-artist masters (whom I absolutely admire) Waswo X Waswo and Rajesh. I would have loved to see more details and anecdotes on the subjects featured in the form of a voice note or signage. The experience ended up feeling more like a superficial viewing of photos in the eponymous Waswo style rather than a deeper engagement with the premise of a "Goa...
Read moreSunalarantha is an art gallery place in Panjim. Its around 2km from the main city centre/ bus stand. You can have an Auto Riksha and go there. Here you can see a lot of art exhibitions. It seem like they promote young artists to showcase their creativity and ideas. Here we are welcomed with very beautiful natural shadow and great ambiance.
The theme of art exhibition may change over a couple of weeks. The entry is fully free. One Cafe is also working here. Thats also very nice. Reading a nice book along with a cup of coffee is always great. Varieties of hot and cold drinks with lot of pastries/snacks items are available here. One of the must visit place in Goa....
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