Karnataka - Belgaum   

40 sculptors take part in workshop

Staff Correspondent

`Demand for sculptures is growing all over the world'

BELGAUM: A group of over forty young sculptors are at work at the open lawn of the Kumar Gandharva Rangamandir in Belgaum, chiseling and hammering at a piece of stone to give it an artistic shape.

Once they complete their job, their creations would permanently add beauty to hitherto neglected Rangamandir.

Unlike other workshops, the sculptors are here on a mission and are looking to give social messages through their work, says Venkatachalapati, chairman of Karnataka Lalit Kala Academy.

Main sculptors

There are twenty main sculptors assisted by as many artists. Each sculpture would carry a message such as communal harmony, female foeticide, peace and so on.

The workshop has been organised by the academy with the cooperation of the department of Kannda and Culture as part of the Vishwa Kannada Sammelana to be held in the city.

All the sculptures would be on display and later remain with the Rangamandir.

The Government has provided Rs. 8 lakh for the workshop, which includes an honorarium of Rs. 20,000 to each of the sculptors and Rs. 4,000 each to their assistants, said Nirmala Mathapathi, assistant director, Department of Kannada and Culture, Belgaum. Mr. Venkatachalapthi said the demand for sculptures was growing all over the world.

Growing demand

There was also sufficient demand from resorts, five-star hotels and otehrs in big cities.

In addition to these, the Government was also encouraging installation of sculptures in environmental parks and other places of tourist interest.

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