Rs. 1 Lakh - A real motivation for Goan artists!

By Rebecca Pereira

International Museum Day was recently observed globally. The same was true in Goa, with a number of museums curating special themes to celebrate the day. Quite alot of the things on display in these museums were created by talented Goan artists of yesteryear.

To encourage the Goan artists of tomorrow, initiatives are also being taken by the government and other institutions.

Goan Artist of the Year Award 2016

In memory of artist Chandrakant Shankar Kerkar, Museum of Goa (MOG) is initiating an annual Goan artist of the Year award of Rs.1 Lakh. The competition is open to all interested Artists working in Goa under the age of 35 years. Participants can fill up the application form at MOG. Apart from the cash bonanza, the selected work will be exhibited at Chandrakant Shankar Kerkar memorial show at MOG, which is scheduled to be to be held in the months of October and November, this year.

Chandrakant Shankar Kerkar

Subodh Kerkar, the founder Director of MOG has decided to dedicate the Goan Artist of the Year Award 2016, to his father Chandrakant Shankar Kerkar, who has immensely contributed to the visual art scene of Goa. Chandrakant was born in Keri, which is the furthest village to the North of Goa, in the year 1927.

He studied art under Mr. S. L. Haldankar in Bombay, while pursuing his masters in literature. He has painted hundreds of oils and watercolours, which depicts Goa of his youth. The collection is an invaluable documentation of Goa’s rich past. Chandrakant has also painted around 30 portraits of national leaders for the Goa assembly. He passed away in 2007.

Government Schemes on Art and Culture

Apart from encouraging artists with awards, the Goa government has set up several schemes related to art and culture. This ranges from organising art shows, cultural camps, courses and festivals. The grants vary for the different schemes offered.

The following is a list of schemes available: