50 Years of CFAK
Established in 1888 as a state-supported ivory carving school, the College of Fine Arts Kerala has grown into one of India’s foremost institutions for visual arts education. With a legacy rooted in traditional craftsmanship and academic excellence, the college today offers professional programs in Painting, Sculpture, and Applied Art. It remains committed to nurturing critical thinking, creative inquiry, and cultural engagement in the field of contemporary art.
Prof. Manoj Kannan
Principal
Principal's Message
The College of Fine Arts Kerala, located in the heart of the capital city, stands as a symbol of Kerala’s rich cultural heritage and is one of India’s foremost institutions for art education. Renowned for nurturing some of the country’s most celebrated artists and designers—many of whom have earned recognition on both national and international stages—the college is now preparing to celebrate the golden jubilee of its elevation to collegiate status. Originally established to produce handicraft items required for the Travancore royal palace, it was founded in 1888 during the reign of Sree Moolam Thirunal Maharaja as the “His Highness School of Arts.” Later, in 1975, it was elevated to the status of the first college in Kerala to offer a graduate degree in fine arts. Over the span of 137 years, the institution has continuously evolved—technically, intellectually, and academically—adapting to the changing landscapes of education and art. The College of Fine Arts, Thiruvananthapuram, has always played a pioneering role in shaping generations capable of raising critical questions and engaging deeply with the realms of art, art education, culture, aesthetics, and politics. Looking ahead, the institution remains committed to fostering future generations of creative minds. It continues to be a vibrant space that invites all to learn, create, reflect, and grow—an enduring sanctuary for artistic exploration and expression.
