SHILLONG: Construction of the International Centre for Performing Arts and Culture at New Shillong Township (NST) is likely to begin from next month.
Speaking to The Shillong Times, Art and Culture Minister Clement Marak informed that the tendering process for the project is over and the construction work would start from January.
It is learnt that the Centre will be at par with similar centres across the globe and aims at making Shillong the hub of performing arts, especially music, in the North East.
According to Marak, the Urban Affairs department had parted with around 42 acres of land for the project which would be of international standard with all modern facilities.
The proposed project will enhance the overall experience and create opportunities for greater exposure of local talent will benefit the region in a number of ways, he said.
The Centre for Performing Arts is estimated to cost around Rs.350 crore which has already been sanctioned.
It may be mentioned that till date, Shillong does not have an international-level performing arts centre and most of the programmes are organized at the U Soso Tham Auditorium which has a limited sitting capacity.
It may be reminded that Chief Minister Mukul Sangma had, earlier, mentioned about the need for the Centre for Performing Arts in the State in his memorandum which was submitted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.