@ Vikash Sharma | Sr Journalist
The first ever public art festival in Amritsar with the theme ‘A Fine Balance’ will be held from 20th Sept 2023 to 22nd Oct 2023 at VR Ambarsar, Circular Road, Amritsar
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. 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, 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 was inaugurated by Punjab PWD & Power minister Harbhajan Singh ETO. The launch commenced with the unveiling of the ‘Kala Kar’, painted by artist Dr. Baljinder Gill, followed by “Wearable Art” – a Fashion Showcase by Inter National Institute of Fashion Design [INIFD] at the atrium, and culminated 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, young artists program, and several other exciting events.
Sumi Gupta, Curator of Punjab Art Initiative, 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.”
Punjab Art Initiative – Amritsar Edition is supported by the Yuj Arts Foundation and is also part of VR Ambarsar’s Connecting Communities©️ initiative that aims to encourage civic pride, strengthen the local economy, and enhance the city’s national and international image.
