Fostering art appreciation and engagement

Lalit Kala Akademi, National Academy of Art, New Delhi is organising a programme titled 'Artists in Residence' for the first time at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The Artists in Residence includes twelve eminent and internationally acclaimed senior artists namely Krishen Khanna, Ganesh Haloi, Anjolie Ela Menon, Lalu Prasad Shaw, Sanat Kar, Suhas Bahulkar, to name a few.

Three young artists Siddarth Shingade, Pranita Bora and Vimmi Indra are also invited to help and gain experience from the stalwart artists. Arun Kumar Bera is the curator of the exhibition, which will be on view at Rashtrapati Bhavan from November 17-20, 2019. Ram Nath Kovind, the President of India will inaugurate the exhibition and facilitate the artists during the programme on the first day.

Although, 'The Artists in Residence' programme was inaugurated on November 10 by Dr Uttam Pacharne, Chairman, Lalit Kala Akademi. Dr Parchne had said that it is a rare occasion where India's most celebrated visual artists will be creating their work in the pristine environment of Rashtrapati Bhavan and their creations will serve as national heritage for the forthcoming generations. The Minister of Culture, Prahlad Singh Patel interacted with the artists on November 13 along with The Secretary to the President, Sanjay Kothari where he congratulated the Lalit Kala Akademi and Rashtrapati Bhavan officials for organising the Residency programme.

He said that it is a great opportunity to document and display the works of Indian masters in the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Kothari sought suggestions from senior artists for promoting art among younger generations. The Rashtrapati Bhavan and the Akademi has also conducted School Children workshops during the Artists in Residence programme. Senior artists shared their experience with the young children. The Akademi also organised a flute recital by Pandit Chetan Joshi and group on November, 15, 2019 evening.