State Lalit Kala Akademi, U.P. was established on 8th February, 1962 under the Department of Culture, Govt. of Uttar Pradesh as a fully funded autonomous body. Dr Sampoornanand (Chief Minister, U.P.) was its first Chairman. The office of Akademi is located at Lal Baradari Bhawan, a historical monument constructed between 1778-1814 for coronation of Kings of Avadh. Saadat Ali Khan was the first ruler to be crowned. The installation ceremony of last ruler of Avadh Wajid Ali Shah was held in this historical building on 13th Feb 1847.

OBJECTIVE

To encourage and promote study and research in the field of painting, sculpture architecture and the applied arts; to promote cooperation amongst artists and art associations and to encourage the establishment and development of such associations; to publish and to promote publication of literatures on art, including monographs, journals, art albums, etc; to establish a gallery of art containing paintings as well as modern sculptures; to organize exhibitions of paintings and sculptures; to organise popular lectures on art; to arrange for the reproduction of modern paintings for their sales; to give recognition and otherwise assist approved art associations; to establish and maintain a library catering to the needs of various organizations and covering both Indian and foreign art; to award scholarships and prizes to deserving artists; to accord recognition to artists for outstanding achievements; to encourage and foster the revival and development of folk art; to promote the study of traditional art and craft techniques and to organize surveys of and to encourage surviving indigenous craftsmen, painters and sculptors; to give recognition to art institutions and strive for the achievement of uniformity in standard of teaching and awards.