Press Release
In a digital effort to collect artist database from across Rajasthan, the State Government along with Department of Art and Culture, Government of Rajasthan and Jawahar Kala Kendra (JKK) launched the initiative ‘A Call for Artist Database’ (as a crowdsourcing initiative) on the JKK Facebook page. A detailed demonstration of how to fill the ‘Google Form’ for data submission was also given during the launch. The form has to be submitted on the email address, artistdatabase.jkk@gmail.com by 10 November, 2020. Those interested can fill the form on https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScYcHz6JLxW-YhJjmKD7E48Mq5g9yNRJ11jg8YifM8PQ9obsQ/viewform.
On the occasion, Minister of Art and Culture, Government of Rajasthan, Dr. B.D. Kalla said that art and culture is the backbone of any civilisation. In the context of Rajasthan, review of information relating to conservation and promotion of art as well as artist development is of primary importance. Due to lack of information, we tend to fall behind on fulfilment of our objectives. The Department’s initiative to scientifically collect and collate data will go a long way towards promotion and conservation of art and the artists, he said.
Secretary, Department of Art and Culture, Government of Rajasthan and Director General, JKK, Ms. Mugdha Sinha said that it is a matter of immense pride that as per the directions of the Rajasthan Chief Minister, Shri Ashok Gehlot, the ‘A Call for Artist Database’ has been launched. This initiative will facilitate the collection of data from artists from all 33 districts and 7 divisions of Rajasthan. It is indeed a wonderful opportunity to connect with artists living in urban, rural areas as well as remote locations. Any artist from Rajasthan or related to Rajasthan accomplished in visual arts, performing arts, literary arts, dying arts, tribal arts, etc. can submit their information. The database is an effort to digitise data in a democratic manner and use it for the benefit of the people who are contributing to its collection.
It is to be recalled that the initiative is a confluence of art and technique. It will serve as a one-stop destination for data collection and collation. It will also help facilitate continuous communication with the artists and the exchange of ideas. The initiative will help the artists gain respect and allow them to seek necessary support if required. It is a wonderful opportunity for emerging artists and a platform for the established ones. An artist directory can also be published from the collected data.
Throughout the programme, video messages sent by well-acclaimed artists, litterateurs, culturists and art lovers who shared their well-wishes for this initiative were also presented. Some of these artists included –Pt. Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, Gulabo Sapera, Shri Ustad Moinuddin Khan, Mr. Madhu Acharya, Ms. Manjiri Kiran Mahajani, Mr. Ish Madhu Talwar and Mr. Ghazi Khan Manganiyar.