| Formation | 28 June 1995; 30 years ago (1995-06-28) |
|---|---|
| Type | Cultural institution |
| Headquarters | Chirakkal, Kannur,Kerala, India |
Chairman | O.S Unnikrishnan |
Secretary | A V Ajayakumar |
Parent organisation | Department of Cultural Affairs (Kerala) |
| Website | keralafolklore |
Kerala Folklore Academy is anautonomous center for cultural affairs constituted by theGovernment of Kerala and works under theDepartment of Cultural Affairs. It was established on 28 June 1995 to promote and project thetraditional art forms ofKerala. It is located atChirakkal, Kannur.[1]The academy brings out aquarterly to promote thestudy and research infolklore, and has published more than 25 books on thefolklore of Kerala. It also produced a book about 100 folk art forms of Kerala and two dictionaries, one onChavittu Nadakam and another onBeary language.[2]
The institution was formed under the Travancore Cochin Literary, Scientific and Charitable Societies Registration act of 1955. It began functioning on 20 January 1996,[1] to impart training in folk arts and to ensure ongoing efforts in their development, promotion and perpetuation. In 2003, theState Government handed over the waterside palace of theChirakkal kings, atChirakkal, to the academy to use as their headquarters.[2]Former secretary of the academy, M. Pradeep Kumar says, "the academy, recently in its study and analysis, have identified various other folklore art forms which are a part of our rich cultural heritage.Brahmini Paattu,Chaatt Paattu,Chakra Paattu,Kadal Vanchi Paattu and the tribal songs are the recent additions to the folklore art. There are different types of tribal and traditional songs. The tribal songs of each ‘Ooru’ (atribal colony) are different. There are nearly 1000 folk art forms existing in Kerala, which have been passed on from generation to generation."[3]
The academy awards prizes andfellowships to notable artistes and experts in the field of folklore.[4] The fellowships comprise₹15000 each and citation. The folklore awards andbook award carries₹7500 and citation. TheGurupooja andYuvaprathibha award winners will get₹5000 each and citation.[5][6]
P. K. Kalan Award
P. K. Kalan award was instituted in 2008, in the name of former academy chairman, Gaddika artist andsocial activist P. K. Kalan. It is awarded for contributions to the field of folk art forms. It comprises a cash prize of₹100,000, a certificate and a statuette.[7]
| Year | Recipient | Awarded for | Ref(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Kanna Peruvannan | Outstanding contributions toTheyyam art form | [8] |
| 2009 | M. V. Vishnu Namboothiri | Contributions to folklore study and research | [9] |
| 2014 | C. K. Aandi | Outstanding contributions to Theyyam art form | [10] |
| 2015 | N. Ajith Kumar | Contributions to language, literature, folk arts, cinema and other art forms. | [7][11] |
| Institutions | |
|---|---|
| Genres | |
| Traditional Instruments | |
| Awards | |
| Classical Musicians |
|
| Traditional Musicians | |
| Film Music | |
| Popular Music | |
