Art in the open

CREATIVE SPACE
Art in the open
The MG Road boulevard is being put to use to showcase art and craft. The city could do with more such spaces

Times of India

THE MG Road boulevard has come alive again. With the Bangalore International Arts Festival and the Svetoslav Roerich Centenary celebrations under way, kiosks have been put up along the stretch, with everything from art, handicrafts and replicas of monuments forming part of the art walk and art bazaar. Art aficionados say Bangalore could do with more such spaces which allow the public free access to cultural events, dance, music, street artistes and local handicrafts.

According to Actor Ramesh Aravind, the parks in the city are ideal to hold events like these. “You have space, fresh air and the right ambience. Cubbon park and Lalbagh are nice spaces too. In fact, if they allow use of the glass house in Lalbagh, you can have everything from street artistes and theatre to stalls which showcase Karnataka handicrafts and even local cuisine.”

“We need such spaces where artistes can showcase their talent and others take in a good cultural experience. There is a huge demand for such spaces in Bangalore right now with the cultural, art music and dance scene becoming active. Given a choice, I would love to stroll down a street which is specially dedicated to events like these,” says art enthusiast and entrepreneur Anisha Bhandary. “It need not be permanent, spaces for public performances and exhibits can be created as and when required.”

Artist Gurudas Shenoy feels the Venkatappa Art Gallery premises (the area where Cubbon Park touches the art gallery) would be an ideal place to hold art, cultural and literary events and handicraft fairs. “It’s got a lot of open space and is centrally located. That’s what people look for — no one wants to travel really far to enjoy something like that.”

What about other spaces, which could be used for the public? Theatre developer Rahul George suggests Brigade Road. “It can be shut off to traffic completely and the entire road can be used to hold events for one whole day. If it’s done in a planned manner, I am sure the whole city will enjoy it. I would love to see contemporary art, theatre and music events taking place there.”