Performances
Catch live performances from Arivu and the Casteless Collective bringing music with a message, Manteswamy Katha Prasanga sharing timeless stories, and Kalburgi Kala Mandali delivering energetic folk performances. Traditional meets contemporary in the best way possible.
Please Note:
– All programmes are free of charge.
– Seating is limited, so we recommend arriving early to secure your spot.
Event List
Day 1
January 17 | 10:30 am
Beeso Haadu – Songs of Labour
Beeso Haadu embodies oral musical traditions from North Karnataka, featuring songs gathered from women across the region that speak to labour, gender, caste, and survival. This performance is presented by Kalaburgi Kala Mandali, an initiative of the Urban Folk Project.
Mazumdar-Shaw Auditorium
January 17 | 12:30 pm
Ee Gida Aa Mara
Ee Gida, Aa Mara is a sensory performance for toddlers exploring plants through movement and sound. Explore an immersive world of seeds and leaves in this performance by Ranga Shankara’s AHA! for young audiences.
Mazumdar-Shaw Auditorium
January 17 | 1:00 pm
A Musical Interlude with Unherd Community
Take a pause from the bustle of Art is Life and unwind at the café with a relaxed, feel-good music session by Unherd Community.
IZM Cafe
January 17 | 7:30 pm
Emotions and Mother Tongue by Praveen Alva
End Day 1 of Art is Life on a high note with a vibrant evening of Tulu music led by Praveen Alva. Rooted in the sounds, stories, and emotional textures of the Tulu language, this musical performance celebrates how mother tongue carries feeling, humour, nostalgia, and joy.
Mazumdar-Shaw Auditorium
Day 2
January 18 | 10:30 am
Manteswamy Kavya
This performance by Mysuru Gururaj, brings the oral epic Manteswamy Kavya to life through song and narration. The performance traces themes of devotion, resistance, and social memory rooted in Karnataka’s folk traditions.
Mazumdar-Shaw Auditorium
January 18 | 12:30 pm
Ee Gida Aa Mara
Ee Gida, Aa Mara is a sensory performance for toddlers exploring plants through movement and sound. Explore an immersive world of seeds and leaves in this performance by Ranga Shankara’s AHA! for young audiences.
Mazumdar-Shaw Auditorium
January 18 | 1:00 pm
A Musical Interlude with Unherd Community
Take a pause from the bustle of Art is Life and unwind at the café with a relaxed, feel-good music session by Unherd Community.
IZM Cafe
January 18 | 3:30 pm
Nine Lives – Nine Stories
This theatrical performance by Bangalore Little Theatre is inspired by art historian B. N. Goswamy’s book, The Indian Cat, on cats in Indian art. Drawing from observation, humour, and storytelling, it brings the feline presence to the stage.
Infosys Gallery
January 18 | 7:30 pm
Musical evening with Arivu
Wrap up Art is Life 2026 with an electric closing night featuring the band, Arivu. Known for music that blends sharp lyricism with lived realities, Arivu’s work speaks to questions of language, justice, and everyday life, making it a fitting close to the festival.
Mazumdar-Shaw Auditorium
