Launches Web Portal for Himachali Artists
Chief Minister Shri Virbhadra Singh today launched the ‘Himachal Artists Web Portal’ to promote the budding artists of the state who want to pursue the profession at Shimla.The web portal will provide the entire details of the creations of an artist besides the details of the artists along with contact numbers.
While speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister congratulated the initiative of Art, Language and Culture department to organize the Art festival in Shimla that shows the knack of bringing out fluidity of form on canvas by the budding artists.
The ten national fame artists who participated in the fest also gave tips to the children. As many as 170 participants of different age groups got registered since yesterday besides over 20 students from department of visual arts of Himachal Pradesh University. The Chief Minister also brushed on the canvas.
Shri Virbhadra Singh said that the paintings exhibited during the fest were of high standard and such an event should be made an annual affair during summers and should also be made popular so that the budding artists should get inspiration and learn from the professionals. He said that the artists could also be honoured and invited every year to participate in the event. “I think there is no other better form than paintings, to pour out the thoughts of one’s subtle mind”, he said.
The Chief Minister said that the construction work of Jawaharlal Nehru College of Fine Arts near Ghanahatti in Shimla Rural constituency would be soon completed. “I want that the college of fine arts should be the finest institute, not only of Himachal Pradesh but the country as well”, he said adding that a scholarship scheme had been started for the art courses.
Principal secretary, Language, Art and Culture Smt. Anuradha Thakur said that provision had been made to provide scholarship of Rs 3000 and Rs 5000 per month for undergraduate and post graduate courses respectively which would be disbursed once in a year.She said that the objective of the scheme was to provide incentive and encouragement to the talented student of Himachal Pradesh so as to improve their skills in the field of fine arts.
She said that the Art festival was the first of its kind in the State to promote the Himachali artists and a web portal had been created so that the people could contact the artists online and could also purchase their paintings.
Forest Minister Shri Thakur Singh Bharmouri, Chairman State co-operative Bank Shri Harsh Mahajan, Director Social Welfare Smt. Mansi Sahai Thakur were present on the occasion amongst others.