PROGRAM ELEMENTS

(1) RESEARCH

Literature reviews and investigations on ancient paintings of Sri Lanka in view of compiling (a) authoritative narrative scripts to accompany exhibits, (b) a complete list of historic sites with paintings and (c) a comprehensive Bibliography on Ancient Art of Sri Lanka. This work will include library searches and consultations in Sri Lanka.

(2) NETWORKING

Develop a network of researchers and professionals in Sri Lanka and elsewhere, to share knowledge and generate further knowledge on ancient paintings. (Faculty of Aesthetic Studies at Kelaniya University, Post Graduate Institute of Archeology, Archeology Department, Central Cultural Fund, Ministry of Culture, Museums and Galleries, Archives, Prominent Temples, Relevant Research Organizations).

(3) SITE VISITS

Explore ancient historic sites with paintings, including the World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka, in order to make on-site observations and investigations that will help in the development of themes for designing of exhibitions.

(4) THEMES AND STRUCTURE

Develop a catalog of themes that would form the basis of designing and developing a comprehensive program of exhibitions and displays to present the rich and fascinating anthology of Sri Lanka’s ancient paintings.

(5) PHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGES

Generate photographic reproductions of paintings that reflect the true nature of existing paintings and based on the identified themes.

(6) PREPARATION OF EXHIBITS

Selected photographs to be enlarged, laminated, and mounted.

Compile concise explanatory annotations on exhibits and related historic sites, including labels to accompany exhibits, and maps indicative of specific locations of historic sites.

Compile brochures, flyers and other written/ published material to be used at exhibitions/other presentations.

Organize appropriate storage for and insurance of exhibits and related material.

(7) PRESENTATION OF EXHIBITIONS

Promote and canvass support to hold exhibitions;

Organize venue, panels/mechanisms to display exhibits and related audio-visual material;

Organize transport/freight mechanisms for exhibits to and from venue;

Set-up, monitor and manage exhibitions and upon completion, dismantle and store.

(8) OTHER PRESENTATIONS

a) Develop audio-visual presentations, video and slide shows, seminars and talks, and thematic websites on selected topics and/or themes pertaining to the paintings, some focused on specific audiences such as children.

b) Design, develop and present documentary films based on images of culture of South Asia, beginning with the Heritage of Buddhist Paintings of Sri Lanka.

(9) EXCURSIONS

Plan, organize and conduct guided excursions to selected sites in Sri Lanka, in view of providing first-hand exposure to the array of unique paintings.

(10) PROMOTION AND CONSERVATION

Encourage and support studies and research projects on methods and integrated approaches to, the preservation and renewal of ancient paintings of ancient sites in Sri Lanka. Plan and organize projects to assist efforts to protect, conserve and revitalize disintegrating ancient paintings.

(11) OTHER SERVICES

Upon request, provide services on conceptualizing and planning comprehensive and integrated cultural heritage conservation projects which combine conservation and edification with environmentally compatible overall socio-economic development, and where participatory approaches and sustainability of development are essential considerations.

(12) EXISTING INVENTORY OF EXHIBITS

At present our inventory of photographs exceeds 2000. It includes paintings of sixty historic sites in different parts of the country, belonging to the different historic periods and reflecting different painting traditions, styles and approaches. These historic sites were selected at random and include ancient shrines, monasteries, caves, other historic sites. They are not representative of the wide range of sites with a diversity of ancient paintings, scattered across the country.

(13) BOOKS AND REFERENCE MATERIAL

Reviews and interpretations of paintings used in our exhibitions held thus far, are based on authoritative information gathered from available books, articles, and reference material on the subject of ancient paintings of Sri Lanka. They include English and Sinhela publications.

(14) PUBLICATIONS

a) The Heritage of Buddhist Art of Sri Lanka (2004) published by Traveling Exhibition Service: Images of Paintings in Historic Sites of South Asia, Brampton, Canada. (Authored by Daya Hewapathirane). The Sinhela translation of the book and the exhibition narrative scripts are in the process of being completed in 2006..   

b) Exhibition Catalogues/Guides 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001.

c) Bibliography: Buddhist Paintings of Sri Lanka (2004) published by Traveling Exhibition Service: Images of Paintings in Historic Sites of South Asia, Brampton, Canada. (Authored by Apsara Hewapathirane)

(15) DOCUMENTARY FILM

Titled: Arts of the Ancient World: The Heritage of Buddhist Art of Sri Lanka;

Released in May 2005;

Pioneer documentary film made on the subject of Sri Lankan Buddhist Art.

Conceptualized and produced by Daya Hewapathirane with photo animation and technical input from Arjuna Samarakoon

The Sinhela version of this documentary was completed in early  2006 for purposes of screening in Sri Lanka in 2006.

Plans are under way for the production of our second documentary film in Sri Lanka using local expertise.