What makes Toto Funds the Arts (TFA) unique?
It supports the contemporary art of urban youth. And it recognises potential rather than achievement.
Much of this art is neither classical nor folk, nor national or regional. Its form is hybrid, influenced as much by the local as by the international. Since it escapes easy classification, it is least encouraged in our country. TFA has been its staunchest supporter, taking risks that few other organisations have done in order to identify and encourage talent that is yet to reach its full potential.
Angirus ‘Toto’ Vellani, who passed away in 2004 at the age of 20, guided and inspired people to find their own way in the arts. His poetry, musings and criticism moulded the perception and taste of many people his age. Toto gave to art as much as he got from it, spreading the gift he had received as widely as he could. Those who loved and admired him set up a public charitable trust in his memory. And that is how TFA was born.
TFA has been giving annual awards to young artists since 2005, beginning with music and, in the years that followed, creative writing in English and Kannada, photography, short film and digital art. We now give ten awards under these categories every year.
The Annual Toto Awards is a much-awaited event in the cultural calendar, and we are proud that many of our winners have gone on to scale greater heights, winning other awards and wider recognition for their work.
The Toto Awards are currently supported by :
- Badri Vishal (Music)
- The Aroon Raman Family (Short Film)
- Bhoomija Trust (Creative Writing in Kannada)
- Rohan Kothari (Photography)
- The Estate of late Mehlli Gobhai (Digital Art)
- Naboneeta Majumdar & Sarita Vellani (Creative Writing in English)
Besides awards, TFA holds readings by young and established writers, offers workshops in creative writing, theatre, film and music, organises talks and conversations on the arts, and creates opportunities for budding artists to showcase and discuss their work.
We could not have achieved so much without the support of various individuals, including our trustees, friends and well-wishers, and other organisations, both in the arts and outside.
2026 : We are currently looking for financial support to enable some of our award category winners and to allow us to conduct more in-person events including showcases/exhibitions, workshops, residencies and more with our incredible winners, shortlisters and longlisters.
Your one time or recurring contribution to TFA would help us to expand our work and have a greater impact on young lives in the arts. You could make an unrestricted donation or reserve your support for one or more of TFA’s award category winners or programmes. (See the Activities section for details.)
All contributions are exempt from Income Tax under 80 (G) and cheques/drafts can be made in favour of ‘Toto Funds the Arts’, and sent to H-301, Adarsh Gardens, 47th Cross, 8th Block, Jayanagar, Bengaluru 560070 (Tel number: 080-26990549).
For more information, payment methods or for help in deciding how you could support TFA’s work, write to our chairperson C.K.Meena at tfaindia84@gmail.com