Mysore/Mysuru: Karnataka Shilpakala Academy Chairman Veeranna M. Arkasali has stressed the need for establishing a University for Arts and Sculpture in the interest of students as well as for the growth of two fields.

He was speaking after inaugurating World Art Day-2021 as part of the birth anniversary of renowned painter, Leonardo da Vinci at Ravivarma Arts College here on Thursday.

He said there were 72 art schools all over the State including two Government institutions but none of them have uniform syllabus or examination pattern. A memorandum was recently submitted to Deputy Chief Minister and Higher Education Minister Dr C. N. Ashwathnarayan, seeking setting up of a University exclusively for Art and Sculpture. 

The Minister was also given the copy of the common syllabus for these two fields, prepared by senior artists and art exponents. But Government was yet to take a call on this matter. It would be of great help for students of these two streams to pursue their studies if the Government establishes a Varsity.

Artists in crisis 

Arkasali said hundreds of artists were in difficulty in the last one year due to COVID-19 pandemic and Department of Kannada and Culture must do something for their welfare immediately. There has been no big shows since March last year and the artworks done by them have remained unsold. They were passing through the difficult phase of life. Understanding their plight, the Department must extend financial help to artists. It would be of great help  in the current situation, he noted. 

He said the annual award presentation by Shilpakala Academy is likely to be held in Mysuru. Date and venue will be decided once the Covid-19 situation comes under control. 

A two-day drawing camp for students is planned in Udupi in Mysuru Division and the date will be announced soon. The purpose of  the camp was to create interest among kids about drawing. 

On the occasion, Manjunath N. Wali of Vijayapura and K. Suresh of Mysuru, presented demonstration on drawing. 

Shivakumar Kesaramadu, Principal, Ravivarma Art Institute, Rajashekar Kadamba, noted theatre personality, Vinodkumar, Convener, Lalithakala Academy, Shivakumar, artist and others were present.