For research into three professional art schools in Bangalore, exploring the distinct modes of communication adopted by teachers in the classroom, and critically assessing Karnataka’s arts education policy. Apart from facilitating arts-related workshops and seminar presentations, research findings are expected to lead to a book on art pedagogy.
For the study and documentation of emerging religious art and architecture in Bangalore that have often provoked communal and ethnic conflicts. The study will explore the politics of public space and lead to a documentation of roadside icons that combine calendar art, modern architecture, historical styles and technological innovations.
For a Karnataka tour of three contemporary shadow-puppetry performances targeted at children and involving university departments of folklore. The performances, which were jointly created by theatre artists, visual artists, musicians and puppeteers, will introduce children to the arts and help sustain folk performance traditions.
For research towards a sourcebook in Kannada on important sculptural traditions in south India. With the aim of enhancing the skills, knowledge and creativity of traditional sculptors, the sourcebook will comprise an introduction to the Shilpashastra; line drawings highlighting the aesthetic features of various schools of sculpture; and explanatory notes and photographs.
For developing a shadow play repertoire by contemporary theatre artists, visual artists, traditional leather puppeteers, folk musicians and children. Besides working on possible technical and performative innovations the collaborators will explore how shadow puppetry may be used in Karnataka’s schools and lead to the inclusion of the arts in school curricula.
For the study of Karaga, a traditional ritual practice in honour of Draupadi, viewed as a social performance. The published outcome is expected to contribute to studies that probe the intersections between cultural anthropology and performance studies.
