Shoonya is a non-profit, multi-arts centre in the heart of Bangalore on Lalbagh Road. A light-filled space surrounded by beautiful palm trees, Shoonya is envisioned to be a platform for art and somatic practices.

It has been thoughtfully designed for people of different artistic disciplines and somatic practices to create, connect and collaborate. We offer a space for artists and the community to engage; an open and nourishing environment for people from diverse cultures and ages to impart knowledge and share experiences around creativity, performance, holistic health and education.

Shoonya was founded in 2014 by the Ollapally family in memory of Joseph Ollapally.

Our vision

A Space to learn, explore and experience, Shoonya seeks to further the growth of the arts and somatic practices through carefully curated programmes as well as by supporting practitioners and artists in meaningful ways. We hope to increase community participation in these areas and enable collaborations on a national and international level.

Our activities

At Shoonya, we host and curate events and activities that are designed towards helping you find new depths of engagement with yourself and the world around you. Alongside, we constantly endeavour to support the artistic process in every way we can.

Research and artistic practice

Workshops and classes specially curated for professional artists who are looking to deepen their knowledge and skills, and work on their craft rigorously.

Community engagement

Open to all - artists and non-artists - with varied experience levels, our community engagement efforts take the form of classes / workshops / performances / discussions and more. A significant way to immerse in the arts and somatic practices, these events give you the opportunity to explore, experiment and experience. 

What we offer

Broaden your horizons, or escape them, through:

  • Community classes and workshops
  • Performances, film screenings and exhibitions
  • Use of our infrastructure for rehearsals
  • Residencies and certified training programmes
  • Discussion forums and various other events

Come witness unique ideas and methods of expression that could widen your perception. We are open to partnerships with organisations and individuals who share our values and interests, and welcome interdisciplinary and cross-cultural collaborations.

Grateful thanks to

Michel Casanovas, without whom Shoonya would not have become reality. Thank you for helping to conceptualise the space, provide clear direction and shape Shoonya's identity.

Juee Deogaokar, Anish Victor, Harshika Amin, Sammitha Srivastava, Aruna Manjunath and Pankhuri Agarwal who made invaluable contributions of their time, energy and perspective along the way.