Exhibitions, colloquium, musical concert, treasure hunt, quiz contest, special visits, workshops and many more! Art lovers and excited audience and visitors at Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya (IGRMS), celebrating the International Museum Day on May 18, 2013 wrapped up their day with fun-filled memories of interesting Indian history and its beautiful art and culture.
In an array of number of activities, an exhibition entitled ‘Srijan’; was inaugurated by eminent poet, critic and Editor Ashok Bajpai. On this occasion Prof KK Misra, Director IGRMS and other officials and staff were also present. Mounted at Avritti Bhawan of the Sangrahalaya, this exhibition of multicolor art forms of India includes exhibits prepared by folk and tribal artists during various artist camps organized by the Museum at Bhopal and also in different cities of the country.
The supporting panel exhibition provides ample information about the contributions of various artists in the development of the IGRMS. There is given a brief introduction to the world of art which would facilitate the visitors of all ages. The very close to it, a corner of museum education programme on the traditional art of ‘Zardosi and Block & Batik print is underway for 10 days to acquaint the visitors about the richness of traditional crafts.
The next, another attraction of the day, a recent initiative of IGRMS Exhibit of the Month, Banam, an musical instrument was inaugurated. Traditionally called by the Santhal tribe as Banam, this popular musical instrument exists in different forms. It is used as an important accompaniment for music & folk performances. Uniquely carved with crown like figures of three female deities, it conveys ceremonial importance. The body has symbolic arrangements like head, ear, neck, chest and belly representing the sky, air and fire.
Besides, a colloquium on ‘Museum (Memory + Creativity) in the context of social change was held. Ashok Vajpayee, the chief guest of the colloquium expressed that- with this time span, people have already started taking interest in museums and history. Therefore it has now become mandate for museums and museums professionals to experiment some new trials in the presentation and narrations of artifacts displayed the museums.