Art needs a preservation law

Recently, union minister of culture Kumari Selja, declared that conservation and public art initiatives would be given priority on a long list of imperatives vis-à-vis an appropriate preservation of culture.

News reports state that the ministry may even contemplate the enforcement of a registration law that will list public art and heritage relics - this, being different from monument protection - in the capital. It is likely that additional stringent laws would be framed to prevent desecration of public art.

The minister was quoted by a news service as saying, "People must learn to respect public art. I want to see more installations across the country. Art should be brought out from the confines of the museums to public spaces so that they become more interactive and mass-oriented."

She rued the fact that despite an existing policy that declares 2% of the cost of all building projects to be allocated for executing works of art, very little note-worthy art work has actually been created in public places.

Secretary for culture, Jawhar Sircar, regarded in art circles for his pro-active stance, was quoted as saying: "Apart from the existing heritage of monuments and sites, public art also includes the art at metro rail stations in the country, public gateways, architecture and artistic buildings. Art should be treated in totality, as a holistic concept."

However, in the past, Sircar has concurred with cultural activists and agrees that the task at hand is indeed 'monument'al.   

A recent visit to Hampi, listed as a world heritage site, reveals the extent of the problem that the ministry and individuals are up against. Despite funds from several international agencies, and a few well-known Indian corporations, work appears to be proceeding at snail's pace. The restoration and conservation efforts can be described as patchy. While expensive golf carts ferry tourists up to a certain point, there is no sign of basic amenities such as clean public toilets and safe drinking water.

The nearest accommodation is in Bellary, several miles away. Avid globe-trotting tourists are certainly in for rude shocks that detract them from the statuesque beauty of the relics.

In contrast, a visit to Akko (in Israel), also listed as a world heritage site proved to be a traveller's delight. Maps, signage, well-preserved, well-lit monuments, clean facilities and well-priced souvenir shops made the trip recall worthy.

The Heritage conservation department in Ahmedabad and Gujarat is, it would seem, ahead of the pack in India. Heritage sites such as Sarkhej Roza, and some inner city areas are on the conservation radar, due to the diligence of individuals and interested corporations.

Heritage walks, brochures and festivals have given the world something to talk about. But much more needs to be done. Hopefully, the city will stand as a carefully calibrated colourful example to the rest of the country and tout its culture and heritage preservation moves, as much as its vibrant economic climate.

The government may want to consider tapping into its already wealthy mind power and draw from trained resources to arrive at a more comprehensive and enlightened policy that addresses all aspects of art, culture and heritage conservation. To begin with, we need a qualified committee vested with the power to approve of public art projects on merit, and not on the basis of random selection. Or worse, nepotism.