Context: The Ministry of Culture, Government of India, on the occasion of 46th Session of the World Heritage Committee Meeting, hosted by India for the first time, has initiated Project PARI (Public Art of India). The session of the World Heritage Committee is being held at the Bharat Mandapam International Exhibition and Convention Centre (IECC), New Delhi.
About World Heritage Committee
- The logo of the 46th World Heritage Committee meeting is inspired by World Heritage Site of Hampi (Karnataka).
- The stone chariot from the Vijaya Vittala Temple is a testament to India’s architectural grandeur and sculptural prowess.
- The tagline of the logo is “सह नौ यशः which means in English as May our Glory Grow”.
- The tagline has been derived from the ancient Sanskrit scripture ‘Taittiriya Upanishad’ which is the testament to our ancestor’s wish of growth to one and all.
- It is a committee of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization that selects the sites to be listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the World Heritage List and the List of World Heritage in Danger, defines the use of the World Heritage Fund and allocates financial assistance upon requests from States Parties.
- It comprises representatives from 21 state parties, that are elected by the General Assembly of States Parties for a four-year term.
- These parties vote on decisions and proposals related to the World Heritage Convention and World Heritage List.
- The World Heritage Committee meets once a year for an ordinary session to discuss the management of existing World Heritage Sites, and accept nominations by countries.
About Project Public Art of India (PARI):
Introduction:
- Public art spaces of India are a reflection of our Lok Kala and Lok Sanskriti. Public Art is very dynamic and is an intersection of past, present, and future.
- The art form which is freely accessible to the public, attracts not only attention but even thoughts begin to gather as to why this work of art is here, what is its uniqueness, what material it is made up of, and what is the thought of the artist behind this artwork.
- Thus, making it open to various interesting interpretations.
Project PARI:
- Lalit Kala Akademi, an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Culture, has invited more than 150 visual artists from all over the country.
- The aim is to provide a platform to uplift the aesthetic and cultural outlook of Delhi while adding grandeur to the rich historical legacy of our national capital.
- Lalit Kala Akademi and National Gallery of Modern Art seek to bring forth public art that draws inspiration from millennia of artistic heritage (lok kala/lok sanskriti) while incorporating modern themes and techniques.
- These expressions underscore the intrinsic value that art holds in Indian society, serving as a testament to creativity and artistic expression.
- The proposed sculptures being created for Project PARI include wide-ranging ideas such as paying tributes to nature, ideas inspired by the Natyashastra, Gandhi ji, toys of India, hospitality, ancient knowledge, Kalpataru-the divine tree, etc.
- Furthermore, in sync with the proposed 46th World Heritage Committee Meeting, some of the artworks and sculptures draw inspiration from World Heritage Sites such as Bhimbetka and the 7 natural World Heritage Sites in India find a special place in the proposed artworks.
The Art forms showcased:
- Traditional art forms as well as sculptures, murals, and installations have been created under this beautification project.
- The creative canvas includes but is not limited to artwork inspired by and /or drawn in styles of:
- Phad paintings (Rajasthan); Thangka painting (Sikkim/Ladakh); Miniature painting (Himachal Pradesh); Gond art (Madhya Pradesh); Tanjore paintings (Tamil Nadu); Kalamkari (Andhra Pradesh); Alpona art (West Bengal); Cheriyal painting (Telangana); Pichhwai Painting (Rajasthan); Lanjia Saura (Odisha); Pattachitra (West Bengal); Bani Thani Painting (Rajasthan); Warli (Maharashtra); Pithora Art (Gujarat); Aipan (Uttarakhand); Kerala Murals (Kerala); Alpana art (Tripura) and more.
About Lalit Kala Akademi (Academy)/National Academy of Art:
- It was inaugurated in New Delhi in 1954 by the then Minister for Education, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad.
- The objective was to promote fine arts/visual arts in India. The Akademi also deals with the international arts.
- It was registered under the Societies Registration Act 1860, in 1957.
- It is an autonomous body and is funded by the Union Ministry of Culture.
- Functions through General Council, Executive Board, and other Committees, as given in the Akademi’s Constitution.
- The Chairman of the Akademi is appointed by the President of India. The term of office for the Chairman is three years, which can be extended.
- Main Centre: New Delhi
- Regional Centres: Chennai, Kolkata, Lucknow, Shimla, Shillong and Bhubaneswar.
- The National Art Award: One of the awards and honours in India and Asia, awarded by Lalit Kala Akademi.