Bengaluru’s walls to come alive with murals under ‘GodeBLR’

Bengaluru: Going forward, select walls across the city will turn into large-scale canvases, featuring murals reflecting the spirit of Bengaluru. This new public art initiative is set to be rolled out as ‘GodeBLR', as part of the city's arts and culture festival titled ‘BLR Hubba'.GodeBLR, a collaboration between BLR Hubba and Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), will focus on creating murals and temporary facades at Metro stations and other prominent locations. The artworks will provide both residents and visitors with a fresh visual perspective, with a thematic focus on the city's history, culture, and everyday life.In mid-Aug 2024, the initiative launched a call for artists, inviting both local and national talent to participate. A panel of jurors — including prominent figures such as Suresh Jayaram, founder of 1Shanthiroad Studio/Gallery; Archana Hande, an artist and printmaker; and Ravikumar Kashi, a multidisciplinary artist — reviewed the applications. Ten artists were selected to produce murals based on the theme ‘Bengaluru hues', which will capture the essence of the city's rich heritage, its festivals, and the natural environment.Kamini Sawhney, chief curator of GodeBLR, emphasized the initiative's cultural importance. "We want the city's walls to tell stories that resonate with its people and places. We want the city's walls to serve as a canvas for conversations about who we are and where we are headed as a community. Each mural will tell a unique story, one that resonates with the local landscape and people." Ravichandar V, chief facilitator of BLR Hubba, echoed this sentiment, describing GodeBLR as "a celebration of Bengaluru's soul".The murals and artworks will become live installations by late Nov 2024, transforming Bengaluru's urban landscape into an open-air gallery for all to experience and enjoy. The festival, which celebrates the best of the city, will run from Nov 30 to Dec 15, and is backed by govt support and organised by UnboxingBLR Foundation, a non-profit focused on promoting Bengaluru's evolving urban identity. Malini Goyal, founder of UnboxingBLR Foundation, said, "In many global cities, public art plays a significant role in beautifying and energising urban spaces and also stoking the creative energy of artists. I believe Bengaluru should follow this path. What better way to do it than through murals onwalls? It's a fantastic way to enhance the city's visual appeal, ensure artists play a key role in our festival, showcase their talents, and connect with the community."
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