Project PARI

Project PARI

The Ministry of Culture recently launched Project PARI (Public Art of India) during the 46th Session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) meeting in New Delhi. This initiative seeks to celebrate and integrate India's rich artistic heritage into modern public spaces through the creation of public art that reflects both traditional and contemporary elements.

 Objectives of Project PARI:

1. Celebrate India’s Artistic Heritage: Project PARI aims to draw inspiration from India’s artistic traditions (known as lok kala/lok sanskriti) while incorporating modern themes and techniques. This fusion of the traditional and contemporary will create a unique public art experience that honors India's cultural diversity and history.
2. Beautification of Public Spaces: The project focuses on enhancing the aesthetic appeal of public spaces in Delhi through the creation of various forms of artwork. These will include wall paintings, murals, sculptures, and installations.
3. Involvement of Visual Artists: Over 150 visual artists from across India will participate in this project, contributing their skills and vision to the beautification of public spaces. The aim is to showcase diverse artistic styles and interpretations of India's cultural heritage.

Themes for Sculptures and Artwork: The sculptures and artworks will celebrate various aspects of India's cultural and philosophical heritage, including:

• Nature: Sculptures paying tribute to the natural world and its significance in Indian culture.
• Natyashastra: Themes derived from the ancient Indian treatise on performing arts, highlighting dance, drama, and performance traditions.
• Gandhi: Artwork inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's principles, philosophy, and contributions to India’s independence movement.
• Toys of India: Depictions of traditional Indian toys, representing the country's folk culture and play traditions.
• Ancient Knowledge: Sculptures inspired by India’s deep intellectual traditions, including Ayurveda, Vedic knowledge, and scientific advancements.
• Naad (Primeval Sound): Art that reflects the concept of Naad, the primordial sound in Indian philosophy, which signifies the cosmic sound from which creation originates.
• Harmony of Life: Representations of life’s interconnectedness, a theme central to various Indian spiritual philosophies.
• Kalpataru (Divine Tree): Sculptures that symbolize the Kalpataru, the divine tree that grants wishes, representing growth, prosperity, and spiritual wellbeing.

Significance of Project PARI:

• Cultural Integration: This initiative will bridge the gap between India's ancient art forms and modern interpretations, making public spaces more vibrant while staying deeply rooted in India's cultural heritage.
• Public Engagement: By bringing together artists from all over India, the project fosters a sense of community and public engagement with art, enriching the cultural fabric of Delhi.
• Beautification of Public Spaces: Project PARI will enhance the visual appeal of urban spaces, transforming them into open-air galleries that reflect India’s diverse cultural identity.

World Heritage Committee (WHC):
The World Heritage Committee (WHC) is responsible for inscribing new sites onto the UNESCO World Heritage List, which recognizes sites of cultural and natural significance globally.

• India will be hosting the 46th WHC meeting for the first time in July 2024, an important event that will bring international attention to India’s cultural and natural heritage.
• India currently has 42 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including:
  • 34 cultural sites
  • 7 natural sites
  • 1 mixed site
  Most recently, The Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysala were added to this prestigious list.

key Takeaways
Project PARI aligns with India’s broader cultural goals of preserving and promoting its heritage while adapting it to contemporary settings. Through this initiative, India seeks to create a new wave of public art that not only enhances urban aesthetics but also celebrates the diverse and profound cultural narratives of the country.

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