Thiruvananthapuram:
City walls and public buildings in Thiruvanathapuram, the capital of Kerala, will soon be adorned with paintings by renowned artists, thanks to an innovative initiative launched by the state Tourism Department.
Titled 'Arteria', the project is aims to beautify the city and to create public awareness about contemporary art and paintings.
As part of the initiative the walls of University Stadium have been painted with colourful images, which will be unveiled to the public during the official launch of Onam festival celebrations in the city next week.
The programme would help transform dull city walls into spaces of artistry, Tourism Minister AP Anil Kumar said.
"The concept of turning city walls into canvases for artistic expressions mainly aims at the beautification of city and to improve the attitude of public towards contemporary art and paintings," he said.
The project, implemented by District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) in coordination with the district administration, has already received Rs 15 lakh for its initial phase from the state government.
"The project will be expanded further depending on sponsorship availability. We have already started receiving sponsorship interests from different organisations," A Udayakumar, Planning Officer at Tourism Department, said.
The first phase of project aims to cover the walls and available buildings stretching from LMS junction to Palayam in the heart of the city.
Mr Udayakumar also said the spaces would be allotted to students of Fine Arts College in Thiruvananthapuram for exhibiting their work as part of their curriculum.
A team of 20 artists, including renowned artist Kanayi Kunhiraman, Kattoor Naryana Pillai, BD Dethan and NN Rimzon Tensing Joseph, will participate in the first phase.
Other than the involvement of established artists, Arteria also provides scope for aspiring artists and students who can send their sample works of art enabling a public participation in the project.
Art work samples will be examined by a committee headed by District Collector Biju Prabhakar, curator Ajithkumar G, and other veteran artists.
State Tourism Secretary G Kamala Vardhana Rao said the plan to invite art works from lesser known artists and art students is an effort to bring promising talent to the limelight.