Punjab Art Initiative – Amritsar Edition, the public art festival supported by Yuj Arts Foundation announced the inauguration of its month-long, first edition today. Punjab Art Initiative – Amritsar Edition 2023 encourages creative explorations around the theme of “A Fine Balance”, through partnerships with leading institutions and notable individuals from the city’s artistic community. The theme was chosen with the aim of examining the delicate relationship between human beings and their environment, with a special focus on climate change and sustainability.
These festivals have enlivened the cultural landscape of multiple Indian cities over the past 9 years. The upcoming Punjab Art Initiative – Amritsar Edition is set to transform VR Ambarsar into a hub of artistic celebration. This month-long event will encompass a captivating blend of art, culture, cinema, fashion, photography, workshops, and musical performance.
Over 150 art installations, sculptures, paintings, and photographs will be displayed at the festival. Collaborators this year include BBK DAV College, Khalsa College of Education and Inter National Institute of Fashion Design [INIFD] and Indian Creative Unity. Some of the renowned artists displaying their works this year are Dr. Lalit Gopal, Prof. Sandeep Zutshi, Mr. Kumar Vaibhav, and Principal Dr. Pushpinder Walia from BBK DAV College; Dr. Mandeep Kaur and Asst. Prof. Vinay Vaid from Khalsa College of Education and Mr. Brajesh Jolly. VR Ambarsar is the venue partner, and the festival is also supported by My FM, Diageo, Taj Swarna, Colour Lounge and Golden City Digital Studio.
The festival will be inaugurated on 20th September 2023 by Honourable Chief Minister, Government of Punjab Shri Bhagwat Mann. The launch will commence with the unveiling of the ‘Kala Car’, followed by “Wearable Art” – a Fashion Showcase by Inter National Institute of Fashion Design INIFD at the atrium, and culminate with a viewing of ‘A Fine Balance’ – 2023 Art Exhibit. The venue partner, VR Ambarsar, will be a hub of artistic activity, with installations, exhibitions, an art bazaar, art workshops, the young artists program, Amritsar literature festival and several other exciting events.
Sumi Gupta, Curator of Punjab Art Initiative – Amritsar Edition, said, “I am thrilled to steer this fantastic project which has incredible collaborations with institutions and student artists in Amritsar, creating a vibrant platform for large-scale installations, sculptures, mixed media works and photography. Punjab Art Initiative – Amritsar Edition 2023 brings together a community of connoisseurs, art students, patrons as well as the people of Amritsar in a celebration of the city’s art and culture. Through festivals like these, we not only offer a platform to budding artists but also nurture a sense of belonging and reverence for the city’s rich heritage.”
Highlights of the festival include sculptures by emerging artists from BBK DAV College Amritsar, Khalsa College of Education, and Indian Creative Unity. The Kala Car Project, led by artist Baljinder Singh Gill, will metamorphose scrap into awe-inspiring art, creating an iconic festival image. Transforming the walls of the parking area at VR Ambarsar into an art gallery, The Basement Art Project will showcase student creations from BBK DAV College and Khalsa College of Education.
A captivating Sustainable Wearable Art Fashion Show will feature 30 wearable art pieces crafted by Inter National Institute of Fashion Design [INIFD] Amritsar students. The Punjab Art Initiative – Amritsar Edition will feature emerging and established local artists and the Art Bazaar will offer a curated market for artisans to engage with their audience, accompanied by live music. Through the screening of Manto, the festival will bring together cinephiles and art enthusiasts, who share a deep interest in art cinema.
Various workshops will provide a platform for participants to delve into art, photography, creativity, and more, fostering a vibrant atmosphere of learning and knowledge sharing. The Punjab Art Initiative – Amritsar Edition aims to inspire, engage, and captivate diverse audiences, inviting them to partake in this enriching cultural extravaganza.