The All India Fine Arts and Crafts Society is a popular destination for visitors to New Delhi as it is one of the earliest arts and crafts exhibition centers of India. AIFACS, the acronym by which this center is globally popular has emerged as one of the leading independent art organizations in India.

Location and History

The British wanted to promote Indian arts and crafts in London. India House was the beginning of this initiative which took shape in London. Many leading artists from India came together to adorn India House. This led to the formation of the AIFACS. The Society was registered in 1938 and has since held numerous exhibitions in which entries are called in from various countries. In fact, these exhibitions have become so popular that the AIFACS is often forced to hold them on two different dates to accommodate the growing number of participants. The society is located in a building in Rafi Marg, New Delhi.

Achievements

The AIFACS has many firsts to its credit. It was the first society to hold a traveling exhibition way back in 1930 and continues the practice even now. The society has also held many contemporary art exhibitions, graphic art exhibitions and photo exhibitions at both national and international levels. AIFACS also hosts Indian women art exhibitions at regular intervals.

The society has decided to rotate the President’s Silver Plaque award so that every form of art gets equal importance and representation. The Plaque is awarded to art categories like painting, graphics, pottery, photography, drawing, and sculpture. The publications of the society include the monthly Art News and the annual art journal – Roop Lekha.

The society’s building at New Delhi has three galleries. An auditorium is also being converted and renovated to add more gallery space for exhibitors and visitors.

Information for Visitors

The All India Fine Arts and Crafts Society galleries exhibit works of prominent and budding artists all round the year. The artists are personally present at their shows, especially during the opening. Entry is free. It is a wonderful place to spend a few hours amidst creative ideas and concepts of some of the leading artists of India.

How To Reach

There are state transport buses plying from Delhi Railway Station and other parts of the city to the museum. The nearest Metro station is Rajiv Chowk. The Central Secretariat is approximately 2 km away.