TTD aims to bestow state art status to Kalamkari Art

Tirupati: In a move aimed at promoting and preserving the rich cultural heritage of Kalamkari art, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams would recommend the coveted 'State Art' status for the ancient art form.

TTD chairman Bhumana Karunakar Reddy stated this at the opening ceremony of a three-day workshop on Traditional Temple Art, organised by the SV Traditional Sculpture Training Institute (SVITSA) here on Monday.

The chairman said the TTD would urge chief minister Jagan Reddy to designate the Kalamkari art as a 'state art' form. The aim, he said, is to celebrate the unique heritage of Kalamkari, a traditional art form with its roots dating back to 3,000 years, this having originated in the temple and bhajan hall architecture.

“Recognising the historic importance of Kalamkari, TTD took the initiative to reintroduce this art as a teaching course 17 years ago. TTD intends to launch a campaign to produce 1/2 feet or one-foot idols of Sri Venkateswara Swamy to cater to the devotional needs of households across the country,” Bhumana has noted.

He unveiled plans to enhance the existing two-year certificate course on Kalamkari by transforming it into a four-year diploma course.

TTD joint executive officer Sada Bhargavi  recalled the chairman had initiated the construction of a building and announced a financial assistance of '1 lakh for students who complete these courses. Since its inception, 815 students from the institute have successfully become accomplished sculptors and architects, she said.

The three-day event features an exhibition of sculptures encompassing temple art, statues, Sudha (cement figurines), Koyya (wooden) folk statues, Panchaloha (metal) idols, traditional architecture and more. The exhibition also includes artwork created from recycled materials by P Sai Devika, as well as glasswork, pottery and household articles crafted from jute.