The Hindu : New Delhi News : Art industry comes together

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Wednesday, Mar 19, 2008
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New Delhi

New Delhi

Art industry comes together

— Photo: V.V. Krishnan

Artist Anjolie Ela Menon.

Structured along the lines of successful international art fairs held globally, a two-day “India Art Summit-2008” will be held in the Capital this coming August.

Over 40 exhibitors and a large number of visitors from the country and abroad are expected to take part in this annual extravaganza that will bring together a range of stakeholders supporting the business and development of art in the country. It is e xpected to attract artists, gallery owners, auction houses, art insurers, art framers, art valuators and restorers, interior decorators and architects, besides reputed commentators and art critics.

Described as the country’s first ever collaborative industry platform for arts, the event being organised by Hammer MS&L, the country’s largest multi-disciplinary communications firm, will be a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country.

Proposed as a collaborative industry platform, “India Art Summit” will be the country’s largest collective showcase of art. It will provide a platform for comprehensive discussions and sessions by internationally-renowned speakers on a range of topics such as “Development and Growth of Indian art”, “Fluctuations in the Art Market” and “Investment Trends”, “Issues of Valuation” and “Authenticity of Art Works”. The uniqueness of the summit lies in its truly international format with topical business sessions integrated with opportunities to exhibit and network with participants.

The initiative has already received tremendous support and encouragement from a cross-section of the arts fraternity including veteran artists Anjolie Ela Menon, Krishen Khanna and S. H. Raza, art critic Keshav Malik and art collector Yash Birla.

Hanmer MS&L Group Managing Director Sunil Gautam says: “At a juncture where the Indian art industry is estimated to be worth around Rs.1,500 crore, holding heavy stakes both within and outside the country, the time is just right for such an industry platform to be introduced.

The event is a pioneering step in that direction and an effort to help organise and upgrade the art market in the country by providing a common platform to engage and network with artists, art lovers, collectors and other industry associates.”

Commenting on the initiative, veteran artist Anjolie Ela Menon says: “All over the world artists have a chance to participate in biennales and triennials where there is great enthusiasm and lots of progressive discussions. India has always lagged behind in this, and artists here long for a similar platform. Efforts like this are a great beginning in this direction.”

Seasoned artist S.H. Raza says: “An initiative like this will go a long way for cultural development in India and abroad. I am glad private organisations are taking a step forward to facilitate such collaboration within the arts.”

Madhur Tankha

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