Tourist destinations in and around the city are going to get a facelift with new sculpture gardens being installed there by the Department of Youth Affairs and Tourism.
“The garden around Bhavikonda and Thotlakonda is going to get sculptures reflecting the teachings and icons of Theravada Buddhism,” Special Chief Secretary (Tourism) Chandana Khan said after inaugurating a multipurpose hall and an art and sculptor camp at the Shilparamam-Jatara here on Friday.
Another sculptor camp was being organised at the Tourism Complex at Rushikonda, which would focus on marine life and fisher folklore and culture.
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The paintings and works being produced by artists at Shilparamam would reflect the regional ethos and values, and also be a reproduction of some of the noted tourist destinations in the region, she added.
Further, there would also be some modern works to showcase the development of the region.
The camps would go on for about a month, especially for sculptures that would take time, she said.
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Ms. Chandana Khan, along with Director of State Art Gallery E. Siva Nagi Reddy, who is coordinating the project, would be visiting the city after a fortnight to review the progress.
A grand function would be organised to unveil the works by local artists.
Traditional dinner
Shilparamam would be promoted as a tourist destination for both the residents as well as tourists.
As part of the endeavour, weekend programmes, including classical dance performances and traditional dinner, would be offered.
A city drop would also be provided for local residents. “The department is planning to launch the programme in December,” she said.
“The department is planning to enhance the facilities at Shilparamam to make it a popular destination,” Special Officer of Shilparamam in Hyderabad G.N. Rao said.
Boat ride
The department had ordered for more boats for boat rides in the tank at the Jatara here, he added.
As part of its plan to promote traditional arts and culture, classes in Kuchipudi were being offered at Jatara and its students performed on the occasion.
Executive Director of APTDC Madhusudhan, General Manager, Tourism, Venugopal Rao, professor of AU Department of Fine Arts C. Ravi Shankar Patnaik, a number of senior art teachers, and art lovers attended the programme.