Art News: Venkatappa Art Gallery: Renovation

Venkatappa Art Gallery: Renovation 

Rendered drawing only for representation

Established in 1975, the Venkatappa Art Gallery in Bengaluru has hosted generations of artists, fostering creativity and dialogue. However, years of neglect left the institution in dire need of restoration. The renovation was undertaken as part of a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative and aimed to modernize the gallery while preserving its historical essence. According to a Bangalore Mirror report, the project was completed at a cost exceeding Rs 8 crore with plans for five exhibition galleries, a permanent collection space, and enhanced infrastructure, including a dedicated artists’ room. The purpose of the restoration was to breathe new life into the venue, and ensure it remains a vital hub for cultural activities.

Despite the excitement surrounding the gallery’s reopening on June 12, controversy has emerged over the alleged ‘exclusion of the local art community’ from the event. While government officials and corporate representatives are expected to attend, many artists—who have long advocated for the gallery’s preservation—have reportedly been left out of the celebrations.

This exclusion has sparked discontent among Bengaluru’s artistic circles as evident through a number of social media posts. It must be pointed out that the gallery’s revival was largely driven by years of lobbying from several artists, who were diligent about keeping it from falling into private hands. 

Future of Artistic Spaces

In general, it is important to include artists at every stage to ensure their involvement in shaping cultural institutions, and to avoid a precedent for a ‘top-down management of artistic spaces’, which could reduce opportunities for grassroots engagement.

Artists and cultural advocates are now calling for greater transparency and inclusivity in the gallery’s future programming. While the renovation is a welcome development, its success will ultimately depend on how well it serves the artistic community it was built for.

As Bengaluru’s art scene continues to evolve, the Venkatappa Art Gallery stands at a crossroads—will it remain a true home for artists, or become a polished but detached institution? The answer lies in how its custodians respond to the voices of those who have long fought for its survival.

What are your thoughts and suggestions on this topic?

Note: the article was updated on Jun 11 

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