In a move to encourage the city's upcoming artists, the 'Bring-Your-Own-Art' (B.Y.O.A) Team will be hosting the 'Bring-Your-Own-Art' festival from December 7 to 9 at the Karnataka Chitrakala Parishat on Kumara Krupa road.

The event seeks to explore the talents of the 'undiscovered artist'-anyone who's hobby is art-and participation is open to all.

The 'Bring-Your-Own-Art' (BYOA) festival works exactly as the name would suggest, with a novel do-it-yourself theme running through it. This forum gives the common man a chance to put his artistic skills on display.

This event will also offer budding artists an opening to network with other members of the fraternity and will promote the work of local artists.

Entries are invited from all age groups and a background in art is not mandatory.

Origin of event

The event is the initiative of three friends with a penchant for art- Jose P.L, a postgraduate in computers who moonlights as an artist, Stephen Dass, a freelance HR consultant with a passion for organising events and Rahul Thomas Venkatesh, a postgraduate in Fine arts who works with 2D animation films.

Jose PL, the man behind this unique idea states, "It has always been my passion to promote Art for Art's sake, with no strings attached. At exhibitions we usually see works of a single artist or a collection of artists coming together.

What about those artists who have just one or two pieces of their works or those who are not full time artists whose works are worthy of an exhibition?"

"Although we have our regular jobs, this really is one opportunity to promote what we are passionate about" adds Rahul Thomas Venkatesh.

Participation norms

Participation categories cover just about any form of artistic expression, from painting, sculpting and murals to photography, collage, poster design and cartooning.

"We are already thinking about an event in the future, that would incorporate Performing Arts as well" assures Stephen Dass, an avid music enthusiast and event manager.

The event is being organised by Eclipse Ventures, an event management company started by Stephen Dass.

For more details email the concern at byoafest@gmail.com or visit the festival's website at www.bringyourownart.com.