Scheme of Giving Awards to Eminent Artists - Kalai Mudhumani Award by the Art and Culture Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, honors senior artists for their lifelong service to the arts. Selected artists get a financial grant of ₹20,000, a certificate of appreciation and a shawl. Applications for the 2026 awards are being invited through the district art societies.
Kalai Mudhumani Award is the top tier of the district art awards given in Tamil Nadu. It is meant for artists aged 66 years and above who have kept the state's cultural traditions alive. Applications are invited every year through a press release issued by the District Collector.
Kalai Mudhumani Award - Main Details
The district art awards scheme started in 2002-2003 to recognize artists in every district based on their age and eminence. A 9 member committee headed by the District Collector selects the awardees. Since 2021-2022, the number of awardees has gone up from 5 to 15 every year.
Artists can now apply through the online awards portal of the Tamil Nadu government at awards.tn.gov.in or through the offline route at the district office. The award carries a cash prize along with a certificate and a shawl to honor the artist's contribution to fine arts.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Scheme of Giving Awards to Eminent Artists - Kalai Mudhumani Award |
| Level | State |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary State | Tamil Nadu |
| Category | Skills & Employment |
| Target Beneficiaries | Artists aged 66 years and above |
| Benefit Amount | ₹20,000 plus a shawl worth ₹500 |
| Nodal Department | Art and Culture Department |
| Application Mode | Online and Offline |
| Official Website | awards.tn.gov.in |
Benefits
Selected artists receive the following honors to recognize their work:
- Financial support of ₹20,000 as a cash award.
- An official certificate of appreciation from the government.
- A traditional shawl worth ₹500.
- Recognition for 15 eminent artists every year since 2021-2022.
Eligibility
To be eligible for this award, you must meet the following criteria:
- You should be an active artist practicing any form of fine arts.
- You should be 66 years of age or older on the date of application.
For example, if you are a veteran Bharatanatyam dancer named Ramesh who is 70 years old, you qualify to apply provided you meet the artistic documentation requirements.
Application Process
Artists can apply through the online awards portal or the offline district office route. Here are the steps to follow.
STEP 1 - Visit the official awards portal at awards.tn.gov.in or the Department of Art and Culture website and register as an artist for individual fine arts by entering your mobile number and verifying it with an OTP.
STEP 2 - Log in to your account and complete the artist individual registration form with your personal details.
STEP 3 - Upload your photo, relevant artwork samples and required identity documents. You can also add a link to your YouTube channel.
STEP 4 - Submit the form to get a unique reference number and keep it safe for future use.
STEP 5 - Download the prescribed application form or collect a hard copy from the Assistant Director, Regional Cultural Centre.
STEP 6 - Fill in all mandatory details, attach a passport-sized photograph and self-attested copies of your documents.
STEP 7 - Submit the completed file to the Assistant Director, Regional Cultural Centre and take an acknowledgment receipt that includes the date and time of submission.
Documents
Please make sure you have all documents ready before you apply:
- 3 recent passport-sized photographs.
- Your detailed Bio-Data.
- Educational or professional Degree Certificate.
- Copy of your Family Card or Voter ID card as residence proof.
- School Replacement Certificate, or a bust photograph if this is not available.
- Documentary proof highlighting your artistic ability.
- Current age proof as listed in your Family Card.
References
For more information, you can refer to the following official resources:
- Official Guidelines
- Award Rates and Details
- Official Application Form
- Tamil Nadu Awards Online Portal
FAQ's
What are the aims of the scheme?
The scheme aims to promote and preserve the vibrant culture of Tamil Nadu by honoring select artists with annual awards.
In which district is the scheme implemented?
The scheme operates across all districts in Tamil Nadu through the district art societies.
What are the qualifications for awardees based on their age?
Awardees are categorized based on their eminence and age, spanning titles such as Kalai Ilamani, Kalai Valarmani, Kalai Sudarmani, Kalai Nanmani, and Kalai Mudumani.
What is the procedure for applying?
You should submit a completed application form and all required documents to the Assistant Director, Regional Cultural Centre, following the annual press release.
How are awardees selected?
A committee led by the District Collector, which includes both officials and non-official members from District Art Societies, selects candidates based on their artistic excellence, intellect, and age.
What is the financial value of the award?
Each recipient receives ₹20,000, a certificate of appreciation, and a shawl valued at ₹500.
How many artists get the award every year?
Since 2021-2022, the number of awardees has increased from 5 to 15 every year.
Can artists from other states apply?
No, this scheme is strictly for artists who reside and work within the state of Tamil Nadu.
Is there a limit to how many times an artist can win?
There is no specific limit; artists can be evaluated for their contributions annually based on their current work and achievements.