NDMC areas to be head-turners as its bazaars become creative murals
After splashing the old Shankar Market with a rainbow of colours, other markets in the New Delhi area are also set to get a similar artistic makeover now. Barring the heritage structures, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has decided to turn all other markets in its area into creative murals.
“The street art initiative at Shankar Market has been well-received by visitors. Footfall in this pre-Independence era bazaar has also substantially increased. So we are planning to do the same for other markets. But, the plan would not include those housing heritage buildings or any structure having archeological significance,” said Nikhil Kumar, Secretary, NDMC. This means markets like Connaught Place and Gole Market would not be touched in this project.
The markets which the civic agency is planning street art for include Sarojini Market, Khan Market, lodhi Colony Market, Prithviraj Road Market and Nauroji Nagar Market. “Our aim is just not to make the place more attractive. We also want the street art to be aesthetically correct having some message for the onlooker. The street art has to be contemporary and appealing to the eyes as well. Besides, it gives a chance to a lot of amateur artists to present their talent,” said a senior official. The civic body started the concept of street art last year when it came up with the idea of painting the dustbins of lodhi Gardens.
Besides, the agency will keep a strict vigil on the themes of these murals, it said. “The artist will have all the freedom on their part, but the design has to be approved by us. We don’t want black art to be promoted. Street art is very sensitive as it is open for the whole world to see,” added the official.
One of the oldest markets in Central Delhi, Shankar market had gradually lost its charm as the limelight was shifted on Connaught Place. After this initiative, that promotes public art of young artists in Delhi, the market seems to have got a new lease of life with youngsters thronging in the evenings. The theme for the Shankar Market makeover was VIBGYOR where seven walls have been painted with each colour of the rainbow, depicting different messages to the masses.