State Museum and Dr Ram Dayal Munda Kala Bhawan existing as the two main cultural hubs of the state capital at Hotwar seek public attention. According to the artists showcasing their art cum cultural presentations during various programmes organised by State Government here, the museum and the art centre is frequented by very few people.
“Painting exhibitions are regularly being organised every Saturday wherein State artists within and outside the State display their sculptors and paintings. On the other hand, to promote cultural awareness among school and college goers state museum conducts various literary and cultural events round the year. But, few people of our state take the pain of watching these live performances,” said Dilip Kumar Toppo, a freelance sculptor on Thursday during the inaugural function of Museum Week.
He added, “These cultural centres were basically set up to give a platform to local artists for promoting their talent and aware the mass that Jharkhand has a vibrant culture.”
Feeling the same response from young participants in the day one programmes of this museum week, State Art, Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Geetashree Oraon in her speech to the students said that this occasion is an ‘outreach week’ and more number of school and college students should involve them in singing, essay writing, dancing, collage and other competitions being organised here. “Unless youngsters do not show their cultural skills through their participation in these cultural centres, state cannot develop,” she said.
As the next platform to grab public attention, Tribal Artist Cooperative Society will host an exhibition at Kala Bhawan from December 21 to 23. Sculptor Dilip quoted, “Though this Kala Bhawan has facilities of art display and accommodation for the artists but the response from our people is always awaited. People from abroad and outside the state do come and appreciate our work but the same goes unnoticed by our natives.”
This society has decided to host a national art exhibition by the March 2014. “We have requested State Government to host an international symposium next year on Art so that our artists residing outside the nation can get a scope to share their feelings,” added Dilip. The Minister has planned to discuss the proposal and setting up of Fine Arts College in Nagri block of the city in the Winter Assembly session beginning from Friday. “I hope that State Government approves this fine art college proposal by next financial year,” she told The Pioneer.
Notably, during the tenure of Bandhu Tirkey as Human Resources Minister in 2009, a request for providing infrastructure of Fine Arts College near Ranchi University’s Tribal and Regional languages department was made to the government with a fund of Rs 1 crore but no action was taken. According to sources, Geetashree is aiming to begin the Indira Gandhi museum in her ministerial tenure which is presently being renovated at Audrey House.