Namma Metro officials seem to be doing everything to attract the general public by hosting a wide variety of events ranging from art exhibitions to allotting a dedicated space for children at their Central Business Unit on M.G. Road in Bangalore.
The refurbished Boulevard from Anil Kumble Circle to Cauvery Emporium Junction has been named the Rangoli Art Centre and is likely to be open in the first week of May. The children’s play area will have interactive fountains besides a wall which will be decorated with colourful paintings.
A BMRCL official said that they had decided to construct an urban space for the city to provide cultural, recreational and aesthetic value.
The space for galleries will cost Rs. 5,000 plus taxes for individuals and institutions; however, students from art institutions will have to spend around Rs. 2,000 plus taxes, the source added.
Art galleries
The centre is designed to have three art galleries, Vismaya, Chaya and Belaku. “This (Vismaya) is a very large gallery; perhaps, the largest in terms of its length in Bangalore. All the three galleries will be used to exhibit visual art such as paintings, photographs, sculptures, and installation and artifacts,” the official said.
While all this will take place at the ground level, the upper walkway will have a restaurant and will eventually see special activities commence there.
Innovation at its best
Trying to get as innovative as possible, BMRCL has tied up with five education centres, Bangalore University, Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, Kalamandir School of Art, Ken School of Art, Srishti School of Art and Design, for a project called Namma Nagara.
The project aims to map the entire city through paintings and art work. The innovation does not end at the art spaces in the boulevard, two toilets for the commuters will be ready by next month and will have no water. The excreta will be purified at the centre and be converted into manure.
