By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 15: Shillong’s art community marked World Art Day on Tuesday with a bittersweet celebration, showcasing world-class talent at Lok Bhavan and All Saints Hall while veteran voices called out the Meghalaya government’s “sustained failure” to establish permanent art institutions and galleries in the state.
Despite the city’s reputation as a “natural canvas,” local artists highlighted a stark irony — while the state celebrates global masters like Leonardo da Vinci and national milestones such as the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, its own creators remain without a dedicated institutional home.
At Lok Bhavan, former Assembly Speaker Charles Pyngrope joined officials to commemorate the birth anniversary of Da Vinci and the cultural legacy of Vande Mataram. While Pyngrope lauded Shillong’s artistic landscape, the conversation quickly turned to the lack of structural support for the craft.
Raphael Warjri, State Coordinator for the International Association of Art (IAA) – India, noted that despite Shillong’s history as a regional administrative and cultural hub, a structured institutional framework for the arts remains non-existent. IAA-India President Manaj Saha added that while the region’s artistic standards meet global benchmarks, local talent is stifled by a lack of exposure and strategic government direction.
The Lok Bhavan event featured an exhibition of 40 artists and a series of technical talks. Dr Meghali Goswami of Visva-Bharati University discussed the history of art in Meghalaya, while Arak M Sangma detailed the emergence of Garo folk traditions. Digital artist Shovin Bhattacharjee and Dr Prakash Kishore also shared insights on the evolution of creative expression in the digital age and the migration of art forms.
Simultaneously, at All Saints Hall, Arts and Culture Minister Sanbor Shullai inaugurated the Shillong Art Mela. Hosted by Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU) in collaboration with the National Lutheran Health and Medical Board, the Mela displayed over 200 works by 60 professional artists and students.
While Shullai described the event as a “vital cradle for artistic excellence,” the reliance on temporary venues like All Saints Hall underscored the community’s demand for permanent spaces. The Mela, which includes live demonstrations, bamboo craft workshops, and light installations, will remain open to the public until April 17.
The day’s proceedings concluded with an address by Chief Electoral Officer Dr BDR Tiwari, who spoke on the philosophical continuity of Indian art. The inaugural session at Lok Bhavan also featured a performance of Vande Mataram by the troupe of Padma Shri awardee Silbi Passah, bridging the national commemoration with the local call for cultural recognition.
