Design Katha:
Impact of Public Art
Port City Future City: A creative viewpoint
The two Design Kathas are led by Creative Director James Balmond of Balmond Studio. One looks at the impact Public Art has through the Port City's first Design Competition, that opened doors to artists around the island to showcase their perspective and their vision into new cities and cityscapes. The other brings together both Port City and pavilion architects Balmond Studio in a discussion about the Port City project, architecture and how it is poised to be the future city.
Design Katha: Impact of Public Art in Society
15 Jan, 17:00 - 18:00 GMT+5:30
Online Zoom Event

Public art is a distinguished part of our public history and our evolving culture. It reflects our society, adds meaning to our cities and uniqueness to our communities. It provides an intersection between past, present and future. Join us as we explore all these elements on Design Katha.
Speakers*
JAMES BALMOND
Moderator
James graduated from the University of Nottingham with a BA Hons Degree in French Linguistics, moving into the advertising world in 2007. Over the next 7 years he evolved into a senior creative copywriter, brand guardian and Creative Director, working on brands including Disney, Toyota, Lexus, Puma, Citroen, Nissan and Starbucks. In 2015, James joined Balmond Studio as Creative Director exclusively. He is responsible for the development of brand infrastructure and communication as well as conceptual and strategic growth throughout the organisational network.
ANOMA WIJEWARDENE
A contemporary artist whose work encapsulates her passion for sustainability, diversity, inclusivity, transformation, unity and climate change. Anoma’s art has been displayed internationally at Sotheby's Hong Kong show 2016 and the Venice Biennale 2019 and at galleries in London, Dubai, New Delhi, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Sydney and in Sri Lanka as well. She is an alumni and former lecturer at Central Saint Martins.
RUCHI JEYANATHAN
Ruchi Jeyanathan is a practicing architect and interior designer. Originally hailing from India, she graduated from the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi, where she started her career in architectural practise before relocating to Sri Lanka in the early 90s. She counts over twenty years of active practise in Sri Lanka, is a director and head of design at The Contemporary Design Studio Pvt Ltd. and a self-confessed ‘disruptor’ of design and process oriented conversations in architecture.
AZARA JALEEL
A Founder & Editor-in-Chief of ARTRA Magazine, Sri Lanka’s Contemporary Art Magazine established in 2012 with the aim of celebrating visual/ performance/ applied written art whilst strengthening the growth of the local art ecosystem and industrial footprint. ARTRA collaborates with leading local and international art festivals, corporates and cultural partners to ensure the growth of the local art scene in promoting a cultural economy.