Shillong March 26: The artist under this forum strongly protest the decision of the to close its centre. Terming that the closure of the centre here would bring in great lost to the artist of the state, renowned artist and president of Meghalaya Artist Forum, Raphel Warjiri said, “It will be a great loss to the artist fraternity of the region as the closure of the academy would mean closure of an opportunity and a platform for the local talents to expose their talents.”
When enquired, the reason behind closing behind closure of the academy, the prominent artist said that the government is yet to allot them with a centrally-located land for the setting up of the academy even as the allotted land at Rilbong was identified but the same is yet to materialise.
Pointing out that the non-commitment and non-availability of the officers could be another reason, Warjri suggested that the government to appoint a local stating that the state is blessed with qualified artist who can handle the academy in an efficient manner.
It may be mentioned here that the Lalit Kala Akademi (National Academy of Fine Art) is the premier fine art institution of the Government of India to promote, spread and develop Indian fine art culture. It is a non-profit, autonomous body, funded by the Ministry of Culture.
In pursuance of its role, LKA holds exhibitions, institutes scholarships, sponsorships, fellowships, assistance schemes, Lifetime Achievement Awards, and publishes documentary material. It also conducts Triennale India, and the National Exhibition of Photography and Art. It has his office in Meghalaya and Guwahati in the region and the decission to close one in shillong, has certainly did not go down well with the artist and art lovers.
Meanwhile, the delegation later met the director of Arts and Culture, the East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner and the Additional Chief Secretary to apprise them of the problem while demanding their intervention into the matter.
Warjri also informed that the Additional CS has assured that the matter will be taken up with the joint secretary, Ministry of Arts and Culture and the reply will be made known on Thursday.(SP News)
