Mark your calendars because from March 21st to the 23rd, the vibrant Downtown Pulse 2024 arts festival will once again grace the picturesque setting of Galle Fort.
Viraj Liyanarachchi
This year, the festival promises to be even more spectacular as it unfolds in an ideal space for such a multifaceted celebration of the arts.
Hosted by the renowned Bekariya space in Mahalwarawa, Kottawa, known as a haven for creative minds for many years, Downtown Pulse 2024 is set to showcase an eclectic array of artistic expressions over its three-day duration.
From Installation and Visual Art Space to Photography Space, Cinema Space, Drama and Performing Art Space, Music Space, Performance Art Space, Puppet Shows, Mask and Fire Dance, and more, there’s something for every art enthusiast to explore and enjoy.
Drama workshops
The festival will culminate with a grand concert at the Halle de Galle outdoor space, featuring music spanning across all genres, from alternative and metal to classic rock.
Founded by Viraj Liyanarachchi, also known as Raja, Bekariya space has long been a beacon for creativity, originally serving as a neighborhood bakery before transforming into a thriving musical hub. Viraj’s vision for the space was simple yet profound: to create an inclusive art space where individuals could freely express themselves and showcase the diverse creative talent of Sri Lanka, free from discrimination or hidden agendas.
Speaking to the Youth Observer, Viraj explained, “In the Sri Lankan alternative art scene, leftist party politics often dominate the discourse, posing a challenge for spaces like Bekariya to maintain artistic independence. As an artist, I firmly believe that art should not be constrained by the agendas of any particular ideology. Instead, it should serve to enrich the aesthetic experience and emotional depth of individuals.
Music workshop
“At Bekariya space, our focus is on creating art for art’s sake, prioritizing the intrinsic value of artistic expression over conforming to political ideologies. By embracing this philosophy, we strive to foster a creative environment where artists are free to explore their unique visions and ideas without external constraints,” he said.
Despite being self-funded and operated independently for many years, the recent grant received from USAID has permitted Bekariya Space to expand its horizons. Through multifaceted art workshops conducted in Kandy, Matara, and now Galle as part of the Downtown Pulse annual festival, Bekariya Space has been able to reach new audiences and communities.
Under the guidance of renowned Sri Lankan filmmakers Vimukthi Jayasundara and Prasanna Vithanage, as well as other veterans in their respective fields, Bekariya Space has conducted workshops in short filmmaking, drama, photography, and music, empowering aspiring artists and nurturing creative talent across the island.
As Downtown Pulse 2024 unfolds against the backdrop of Galle Fort, it promises to be a celebration of creativity, diversity, and community spirit—a testament to the power of art to unite and inspire us all.
