- A look through the lens of its curators
Matara, a town steeped in history and culture, is set to become the epicentre of a groundbreaking event – the ‘Matara Festival for the Arts’ (MFA). Scheduled for independence weekend on 2-4 February, this inaugural celebration promises to be a cultural odyssey, curated by artistic visionaries Prof. Jagath Weerasinghe and Dr. Sumudi Suraweera.
The festival is not just an artistic spectacle but a profound exploration of community, collaboration, and cultural resurgence. Rooted in the legacy of the late Mangala Samaraweera, the festival’s Co-Founders Jayanthi Samaraweera Gunewardena and Chanchala Gunewardena have woven a narrative that transcends conventional boundaries.
Samaraweera, who was himself a figure deeply immersed in the realms of art, fashion, and community initiatives, serves as a significant inspiration for the ‘Matara Festival for the Arts,’ with his foundation Freedom Hub now run by the festival’s Co-Founders, playing a crucial role in the festival’s conception.
The MFA is supported by the John Keells Foundation (JKF) and USAID, each of which plays pivotal roles in sponsoring different facets of the festival, from contemporary art exhibitions to community music programmes. Commercial Bank, as the festival’s Banking Partner, extends its support beyond financial contributions. The collaboration with Good Market and the District Secretariat to establish a Matara Community Market also aligns with the festival’s ethos of economic inclusivity.
Additional collaborations with the Government, business owners, and international advisors further underscore the festival’s role as a catalyst for a broader cultural and social renaissance in Matara.
MFA: A fusion of art and music
The MFA is a collaborative effort, with the visual arts and music programmes receiving support from USAID and JKH, respectively. The festival’s central theme revolves around the Matara Fort, a historical site that often goes unnoticed compared to Galle Fort. Prof. Weerasinghe, originally from Matara, believed it was crucial to highlight the town’s cultural history and showcase the talents that had emerged from there.
The Sunday Morning Brunch sat down with MFA’s Curators, Prof. Jagath Weerasinghe and Dr. Sumudi Suraweera, for some insight into the festival. Prof. Weerasinghe, an eminent contemporary artist and archaeologist who frequently collaborated with the late Mangala Samaraweera, shared that Matara’s unique cultural heritage, with its late 19th century Buddhist temples and early 20th century expressions of modern art, provided an ideal backdrop for the festival, and was also an opportunity to take art and an arts festival to the ‘margins,’ i.e. outside the traditional tourism and cultural hotspots of Colombo, Galle, and Kandy.
It gives the chance not just to engage the communities of Matara in contemporary (and to a significant extent, alternative) art, but also provides a larger platform for challenging preconceived notions. “We’re taking a risk by going to these ‘margins,’ but it’s an opportunity to challenge perceptions of music and art,” Prof. Weerasinghe noted.
The visual arts segment encompasses community art projects using unconventional materials like garbage, emphasising on the importance of respecting the city’s cleaners. This innovative approach, involving the community in the art-making process, reflects the festival’s commitment to inclusivity.
One core community art project, a collaboration between artists and citizens, transforms unconventional materials like garbage into expressive art. This initiative not only contributes to the aesthetics of the festival but also symbolises respect for the often overlooked workers who keep the city clean. Visitors to the festival are invited to participate in this communal art project, blurring the lines between creator and observer. “The idea is to give rise to micro-temporary communities within the art gallery,” said Prof. Weerasinghe.
By involving the community in the artistic process, the festival aims to create a sense of ownership and connection with the artwork and make them part of a community, even if only for two or three minutes.
The visual arts segment of the festival will also embody a profound exploration of history, memory, and resistance. Established artists such as Pradeep Chandrasiri, Sujeewa Kumari, Sivasubramaniam Kajendren, Hema Shironi, Pala Pothupitiya, Anura Krishantha, Anusha Prityanthi, Bandu Manamperi, Muvindu, and Bilal Rasheed will collectively examine Sri Lanka’s recent past, with their works serving as a powerful commentary on societal struggles against dominant traditions, colonialism, and the selective amnesia that is often driven by leaders in society and politics to further their own agendas.
In particular, the artists at the MFA draw attention to collective memory, challenging the selective remembering perpetuated by dominant social structures. The art is a poignant reminder of pivotal moments in Sri Lanka’s history, urging viewers to confront forgotten chapters and reevaluate the narratives that shape their present.
Taking community engagement beyond the mainstream through music
Dr. Suraweera also shared insights into the genesis of MFA’s musical element, highlighting the pivotal role played by MFA Co-Founder Chanchala Gunawardena, who had approached him with a vision of revitalising Matara’s cultural landscape. As the force behind the collective Music Matters, Dr. Suraweera saw an opportunity to not only showcase alternative music but also to foster a sense of community among the youth in Matara.
The Music Matters programme goes a step further, involving Matara’s youth in workshops and open mic nights. Dr. Suraweera revealed that these initiatives aimed not only to expose locals to diverse musical genres but also to provide a platform for undiscovered talents, challenging the dominance of mainstream media.
The festival’s musical programming reflects a fusion of local and global influences. Prof. Weerasinghe detailed the diverse lineup, ranging from traditional ritual music to the experimental sounds of Rolex Rasathy, a Tamil-American musician supported by the US Embassy. With a focus on inclusivity, the festival aims to bridge the gap between mainstream and non-mainstream artists, offering a kaleidoscopic journey through various musical genres.
In the visual arts realm, the festival is not just an exhibition but a participatory experience. Prof. Weerasinghe described the ‘Comm Art’ project where community members contributed to an evolving artwork made from recycled materials. This interactive approach transforms the gallery space into a dynamic reflection of communal creativity.
Matara, a cultural canvas in its own right
As the MFA unfolds, it symbolises more than a weekend of artistic revelry. It stands as a testament to the resilience of a community, the vibrancy of its cultural tapestry, and the transformative power of the arts. In the aftermath of the ‘Galle Literary Festival,’ the Matara festival extends an invitation to locals and tourists alike to immerse themselves in a unique cultural experience along the sun-kissed south coast of Sri Lanka.
The festival’s impact extends beyond the immediate event. It is envisioned as a catalyst for long-term change, breathing new life into the UNESCO-listed Matara Fort, revitalising the town, and fostering cross-cultural exchanges that transcend geographical boundaries.
Why Matara? Prof. Weerasinghe and Dr. Suraweera both emphasised on the town’s cultural significance. Matara’s ancient elephant kraals and its blend of late 19th century Buddhist temples and early 20th century expressions of modern art make it a unique cultural canvas. The festival not only showcases Matara’s history but also positions it as a cultural hub worthy of national and international recognition.
The town’s distinctive dialects, traditional crafts, and culinary offerings add layers to the festival experience. The organisers hope to convey the beauty of Matara’s landscape, its coconut trees, beaches, and diverse cultural influences.
As its inaugural edition beckons, the ‘Matara Festival for the Arts’ stands poised to reposition and strengthen Matara as a cultural gem, a beacon of cultural revival, and a testament to the transformative potential of the arts. From the intricacies of community collaboration to the fusion of diverse musical genres, the festival promises an immersive experience that transcends the ordinary.
Info box
For more information on the ‘Matara Festival for the Arts’ and its programmes, visit:
Instagram: @mataraforarts