The document noted that the initiative would “benefit directly or indirectly, targeted professionals and art forms,” providing energy and new prospects in society. It would also give students and art forms “new dimensions.”
The document noted that the initiative would “benefit directly or indirectly, targeted professionals and art forms,” providing energy and new prospects in society. It would also give students and art forms “new dimensions.”
The University Grants Commission in India released guidelines calling for higher education institutions to enlist “kala gurus,” or in-house artists, to bring practical experience and creative thinking to students’ learning experiences.
The initiative will bridge the divide between modern education and art forms, and meet the needs of higher education expansion in line with the National Education Policy 2020.
Explaining its move, the Guidelines for Empanelment of Artists, Artisans In-Residence, in Higher Education Institutions declared that this integration could benefit both students and creative talent, offering first-hand experience with various arts and crafts to strengthen programmatic attainments.
The document noted that the initiative would “benefit directly or indirectly, targeted professionals and art forms,” providing energy and new prospects in society. It would also give students and art forms “new dimensions.”
These guidelines recognize the intellectual and creative talent in various art forms and crafts, not connected to mainstream academia, by initiating an integrated effort to boost resources and skills of artists and artisans.
The new initiative to promote Indian art forms, will include handicrafts such as pottery, bamboo art, cane work, woodwork and terracotta; Madhubani and Pichwai painting; Charkha weaving; Mughal wood art; stone, bronze and meenakari work; dyeing and block printing; miniature painting; wood carving; and printed textiles.
For music, classical and traditional dance forms, as well as a variety of classical, semi-classical, light, and modern music genres, are among the art forms to be taught by the kala gurus. These include bhangra/gidda, garba, rouf, ghoomar, bihu, lavani, vilasini natyam, dhimsa, bagurumba, ali ai ligang, kolattam, natyam, aji lamu, roppi, phoning, kajari, jhumari, dandari and gendi.
Professional art forms such as painting, printmaking, textiles, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, calligraphy and photography are among the many disciplines to be included in the list of art forms. Additionally, folk theater and nautanki performances as well as yoga instruction will be available. Traditional arts like sand art, mehndi and floor art (rangoli/mandana) will also be included.
The list of art forms is still being finalized.
According to the guidelines, the “kala gurus” will receive campus accommodation. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate participation in at least five international, national, government-recognized exhibitions, art fairs and workshops. Those coming from traditional artistic family backgrounds (gharana) must provide evidence of the family’s fame.
The “kala gurus” will be divided into three positions based on seniority and experience: Parameshthi Guru (with at least 20 years’ experience in their field), Param Guru (with at least 10 years of expertise) and Guru (no less than five years).
Higher education institutes have been given the flexibility to decide on course duration and chosen “kala gurus” will hold lectures, demonstrations, workshops and provide practical training.
