Artists, both visual and performing, have similar opinion on how art and its patronage has been a privilege of a select few, both in Delhi and nationwide. If some think that artist(e)s get a raw deal which ever government takes over in the Capital or at the Centre, some opine the community should learn to detach itself. Many complain that even their opinions are not sought while taking policy decisions.
Eminent vocalist Shuba Mudgal says, “I find myself deeply distressed by the current political situation in Delhi. Virtually all parties and candidates, barring the odd exception, seem to be devoid of any ideology or political beliefs. We seem to be living in times where opportunism, crass and crude campaigning and hypocrisy seem to be the order of the day.”
But she agrees that as for art and culture, there are several organisations set up by the Delhi Government which organise events and festivals with a “fair degree of efficiency”. However, a long term vision for the arts, that takes into account the views and opinions of stakeholders and looks beyond event based functioning, seems absent both at the Centre and State, she adds.
Padma Vibhushan classical dancer Sonal Mansingh feels that the Delhi Government has been organising festivals and shows but there is a tendency to “pick and choose same individuals” to give responsibilities to “look after the art and artists’ community… I remember I did Sudama dance drama in 1988 and we went to Ashok Vihar, Shahdara, Geeta Colony etc and realised that they do not have access to good performances because the “responsible” lot doesn’t reach them.”
Eminent visual artist Padma Shri Anjolie Ela Menon feels that the Delhi government perhaps never had any schemes for the artists, nor any clear plans. She asks, “I fail to understand where that budget of one to two per cent which is supposed to be spent on decorating government building through art vanishes?”
Artist Renuka Sondhi, who has just finished making a mural at ITO Metro station, however, opines that the government has recently taken several steps to promote artists at national level through various competitions. “Well known theatre director, actor and playwright Dr. Sayeed Alam who promotes classical Urdu and musical plays, however, feels that the performing artists should stop depending upon the government for any patronage for if an artist has talent and he/she is not able to sell it to public, then it is his fault, not the government’s.
