The coming together of many luminaries, mostly from Bollywood, representing film production, direction, dance, lyrics and art, in Patna was a pleasant surprise on Tuesday. The occasion was the foundation laying of a unique initiative — creation of a multi art space and this centre aims to be equipped with comprehensive facility for organising public events.
The foundation of Arthshila on weekend was done in the presence of celebrated poet, lyricist and film director Gulzar, acclaimed filmmaker and screenwriter Shyam Benegal. Kathak maestro Pandit Birju Maharaj, theater personality Sanjna Kapoor and contemporary artist Subodh Gupta. This centre is being created by Takshila Educational Society (TES) and likely to take final shape by August next, said TES secretary Sanjiv Kumar.
Kumar explained, “The objective of Arthshila is to reach the various manifestations of art from across the world to one and all. The intent is to establish a platform through which the audience of Patna has the opportunity to experience and interact with cultural traditions, art and artists of national and international repute.”
“The arts are an integral part of the lives of individuals and contribute to the society’s well being; art is vibrant, living, empowering and should be widely accessible, free from the boundaries of class, language, religion or gender,” said Benegal.
Arthshila will celebrate writings from the world of culture through book readings, and poetry in different languages and a conversation series. It will encourage and contemporise discussions and debates from the world of literature.
Arthshila brings together a host of artists and enthusiasts into the public domain through exhibitions, collaborations, debates and discussions between artists, professionals and the youth from the world of fine art, photography design and more. It will share the legacies of this marvelous medium through music, dance, puppetry, theatre focusing on various traditional and contemporary performance forms. Besides, it will screen films and documentaries from India as well as from across the world. Chalchitra will also bring interactions with film makers, film festivals and seminars on cinema.