About Us

Welcome to MV Devan Foundation

Headquartered in the serene village of Pallimon, Kollam, the MV Devan Foundation is dedicated to making art accessible, inclusive, and empowering. With six centres across Kollam—Pallimon (HQ), Kadappakada, Chavara (2), Ambalamkunnu, and Velinalloor—we are a growing cultural ecosystem promoting creativity, art education, and cultural entrepreneurship.

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Our Story

Founded in 2014 with the support of the Siddhartha Foundation, the MV Devan Foundation was established in honor of legendary artist Shri M. V. Devan. Under the esteemed patronage of Shri Kanayi Kunhiraman, our mission is to build a legacy of artistic excellence and inclusivity through Devan Kalagramam and our affiliated centres. We aim to nurture artists, foster cultural dialogue, and offer serene, accessible environments where diverse art forms can be taught, practiced, and celebrated. Our six centres in Kollam—Pallimon (HQ), Kadappakada, Chavara (2), Ambalamkunnu, and Velinalloor—serve as vibrant hubs for learning, performance, and collaboration.

Legacy of Vision

The Life and Work of M.V. Devan

M.V. Devan was a renowned Indian painter, sculptor, writer, art critic, and orator, best known for his significant contributions to modern Indian art and cultural thought. Born in Kerala in 1928, Devan’s artistic vision extended beyond canvas and sculpture—he was also a passionate advocate for preserving Indian heritage and democratizing access to art. His works often reflected strong socio-political commentary, and he played a key role in inspiring generations of artists through both his creations and his activism.
MV Devan Foundation carries forward his legacy by promoting art, culture, and social awareness. The foundation works to preserve his works and ideals, support young artists, and engage communities in cultural and educational activities. It stands as a living tribute to Devan’s lifelong commitment to creativity, integrity, and the transformative power of the arts.

Nurturing Art, Culture, and Community

Creative Art Training

At MV Devan Foundation, we nurture artistic excellence through diverse and inclusive training programs that span both traditional South Indian and contemporary art forms.

Festivals

Navam and Beyond

Navam is the flagship annual cultural festival organized by the MV Devan Foundation & Kalagramam, held across 10 vibrant centers in the Nedumbana Panchayat of Kerala. Rooted in the vision of renowned artist MV Devan to democratize art and revive traditional culture, Navam is not merely a festival, but a movement—bringing together artists, folk performers, youth, and the community in a collective expression of heritage, creativity, and social unity.
Each year, Navam transforms the panchayat into a living cultural canvas, showcasing the rich performing and visual art traditions of Kerala alongside contemporary forms. The festival is a unique convergence of local pride and artistic excellence, making cultural experiences accessible to all.It plays a crucial role in preserving intangible heritage and instilling cultural literacy among the younger generation. Through Navam, MV Devan Foundation & Kalagramam foster a creative ecosystem that uplifts local artists, preserves endangered art forms, and strengthens community bonds. It is a cultural revolution in continuity—where tradition meets innovation, and art becomes a language of unity.

Festival Highlights:

  • Classical dance and Carnatic concerts
  • Live painting and community murals
  • Theatre and folk performance stages
  • Film screenings and digital art showcases
  • Cultural talks, workshops, and open forums

Creative Entrepreneurship Support

As a brainstorming hub for creative enterprise, MV Devan Foundation offers emerging artists and innovators a platform to turn their ideas into impactful initiatives.

What We Offer:

  • Mentorship for creative startups and individual artists
  • Branding, content strategy, and digital skills training
  • Showcase events, networking meets, and pitch platforms
  • Access to studio space, recording tools, and production facilities

We empower creatives not just to dream, but to build, lead, and thrive.

Our Locations

Our Creative Spaces

Pallimon, Kollam — Headquarters

The heart of the MV Devan Foundation, our Pallimon campus serves as the central hub for planning, coordination, and major creative initiatives. Surrounded by nature, this space fosters collaboration, training, and innovation across disciplines.

Kadappakada, Kollam — Urban Creative Studio

Located in the heart of the city, this vibrant space supports digital art, media production, and entrepreneurship activities. With easy access and modern facilities, it's a dynamic hub for young creators and collaborators.

Decent Junction — Gateway to Kollam

Located at the entry point to Kollam City, Decent Junction serves as a vibrant access point for visitors and artists alike. This dynamic space functions as both a welcoming gateway and an important venue for collaborative projects, workshops, and cultural exchanges.

Velinalloor — Rural Arts & Heritage Centre

Set in a serene village landscape, this center is dedicated to nurturing traditional South Indian art forms and connecting them with the local community. It’s a space where heritage thrives through performance, learning, and rural engagement.

Chavara — Semi-Urban Creative Hub

Located in a semi-urban setting, this space bridges the gap between rural and city life. It fosters creativity in a tranquil yet connected environment, hosting a variety of artistic programs, workshops, and community events for diverse audiences.

Ambalamkunnu — Village with Purpose

Nestled in a peaceful village, Ambalamkunnu combines traditional charm with modern efficiency. This space serves as a center for grassroots artistic development, where creativity thrives in a harmonious, well-equipped environment, blending local heritage with innovation.

Team

Our Team

About Founder

Mr. Suresh Sidhartha, a visionary from the small village of Nedumpana in Kollam, is the driving force behind the Siddhartha Foundation and its many groundbreaking initiatives. Deeply inspired by the philosophies of Sree Narayana Guru and Rabindranath Tagore, he believes in the power of Art to cross boundaries and bring people together.
A passionate nature lover and a trained Artist Sculptor and Philosopher, Mr. Suresh has devoted his life to promoting creativity and education. As the founder of the esteemed M.V. Devan Foundation, part of the Siddhartha Foundation, he has helped build one of Kollam’s most respected centers for learning and culture.
With a strong and clear vision, he established the M.V. Devan Foundation as a space where Artists and Writers can collaborate, create, and connect freely. His dream is to develop this center into the largest and most dynamic art hub in Kerala.
Mr. Suresh is a powerful example of how a simple life grounded in strong values can lead to remarkable contributions in the fields of Education, Art, and Community Leadership.

Meenu

Ms. Meenu Sudheesh

Lead Associate,Instructor
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Mr. Rajeev Nareekkal

Co-ordinator,Instructor
Priya

Ms. Priya R

Instructor
Mansingh Lal

Mr. Mansingh Lal

Instructor
Mansingh Lal copy

Mr. Sethuraman

Instructor
kripa_02

Ms. Kripa Nair

Instructor
anhijth

Mr. Abhijith

Instructor
Mr. Jayaghosh 1

Mr. Jayaghosh

Instructor
Mr. Akhil

Mr. Akhil

Instructor
Gallery

Glimpses from our world of art

View inspiring moments from across our centres—classes, performances, installations, festivals, and artist interactions that reflect the energy of our vibrant artistic community.

Partners

Events

Upcoming Events

Art Festivals

Art Festivals

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