In its decade-long existence, the Saskia Fernando Gallery has been dismantling stereotypes about the creative industries, working to strengthen the cultural and economic ecosystem around Sri Lankan contemporary art. The gallery's focus is on how Sri Lankan contemporary art is presented, exhibited, sold, spoken about and archived — everything. Certain core values modulate its work.
During its beginnings, there was a constant eye on both business and creative sustainability. The gallery kept its startup costs low, with art on consignment. It advanced and matured its business model in incremental steps. When it was able to fund itself, Saskia Fernando Gallery started showcasing its artists at selected international art fairs that it picked with care. It has exhibited in the U.K., Dubai, Singapore and the U.S., attracting international institutional and collector interest.