Bengaluru: The pond that encircles Venkatappa Art Gallery on Kasturba Road is still covered in a layer of slime, not too different from last year. Back in 2016, however, the artist community had set up camp within its walls, protesting the government's decision to privatise the space. Their efforts paid off and an MoU was eventually shelved, although a formal confirmation from the government is still awaited.
"We met Tourism Minister Priyank Kharge after he took charge in 2016. He is very supportive of the artists' cause and said he will seek legal opinion," said artist and sculptor Sheela Gowda, member of the Venkatappa Art Gallery (VAG) Forum. "That is only a formality. We want to use the coming year to organise activities here," Gowda added.
On Feb 14, members of the VAG Forum came together in the gallery for 'The Longest Performance Day', a performance marathon curated by Dorothea Rust and Irene Muller from Switzerland. It marks the first anniversary of the VAG Forum, which was founded on Feb 14, 2016, at No. 1 Shanthi Road.
As many as 27 artists from all over the country took part in the 12-hour marathon performance, held in a first floor hall (visitors took the stairs; the elevators are still in a state of disrepair). The event was locally curated by Suresh Kumar, Smitha Cariappa, Rust and Muller.
The artists have also requested the state government to initiate small renovations in VAG, including air-conditioners and a working elevator.
