Agartala to hold National Art Exhibition

"We have chosen Agartala this year for the event based on the ability of the state and the ground realities out there, they must at least have the fabric to conduct such a show," said Sudhakar Sharma, secretary of Lalit Kala Akademi.

"This year, we have consciously shifted out of the metros and bigger cities to focus on artists from the northeast."

The National Exhibition of Art organised since 1959 has been attracting artists from across the country who are chosen by a group of panelists selected by the LKA.

"We are committed to promote, spread and develop, Indian fine arts culture, this exhibition at Agartala is already gaining a lot of support from artists from the state and the northeastern states," said K R Subbanna, acting chairman of the LKA.

He said that this year the LKA has received as many as 8047 art works from upcoming artists across the country, out of which 124 were selected. Out of these, 10 are finally selected for exhibiting their art works the national exhibition.

"We will be awarding these 10 artists an award of Rs 1 lakh and a certificate each," he said.

When asked about promoting upcoming artists and artisans from the backward areas of the country the LKA chief said, "We are trying to promote tribal art and traditional arts through workshops in areas like Bhubaneswar and Kolkata, but more need to be done.

"This time in Agartala, we have called in four artists in a special category, apart from the award winners. Though they will not be awarded, they will be exhibiting their works along with the winners."