Student participants during the two-day World Art Day Festival at the Old NST Complex, Kohima on April 12. (Photo Courtesy: Twitter)
Morung Express News
Kohima | April 12
Lighting up the heart of the town in the state capital, a two-day World Art Day Festival got underway here at the Old NST Complex, Kohima. An initiative of Task Force for Music & Arts (TaFMA) in collaboration with visual artists of Nagaland, the two-day festival will feature painting demonstration by 10 visual artists, art competition, interactions between amateur and professional artists, exhibition and sales of artworks.
Speaking about the programme, Art & Drama Educator, Cynthia Kolakhe highlighted that every year, World Art Day is celebrated on 15th April but since it coincides with Good Friday this year, the program has been scheduled for an earlier date. World Art Day, which was proclaimed at the 40th session of UNESCO’s General Conference in 2019, she said “is a celebration to promote the development, diffusion and enjoyment of art.”
She further impressed upon that each year, the celebration helps reinforce the links between the artistic creations and society, encourage greater awareness of the diversity of artistic expressions and highlight the contribution of artists to sustainable development.
“It is also an occasion to shine a light on arts education in schools, as culture can pave the way for inclusive and equitable education,” she also added.
Launching the two-day art festival, Adela Moa, Director of Art & Culture, observed that there are no laid down rules or boundaries that an artist cannot cross. Stating that artists express themselves making the best use of different materials, and mediums, she said, they skilfully convey their perceptions in the world.
She also maintained that artists are expressive and creative and brings people together while commending TaFMA for coming up with this two-day exciting program, and providing platform for the artist community to showcase talents.
Affirming that it is a step in the right direction, she also highlighted that Visual Art encompasses different mediums such as painting, sculpture, photography installation, etc.
She also urged the artists to grab the opportunity to interact and connect with each other, and also learn as much as they can. “May your creativity expand,” she further expressed.
Earlier, Dr Hovithal Sothu, Project Director, TaFMA delivered the welcome note.
