Belagavi may get Karnataka’s first Lalit Kala Akademi regional centre

BELAGAVI: In all likelihood, Belagavi will get a regional centre for the Lalit Kala Akademi, a first in the state. The establishment of this centre for art, literature and culture was proposed by general council member of the institution, Sonali Sarnobat.
Sarnobat has charted a detailed blueprint for the same, which will have a three storey building, art galleries, garden, digital library, guest house and many other facilities. The Lalit Kala Akademi has approved the plan, while both Dharwad and Belagavi are now vying for this infrastructure. A major impediment for Belagavi is the non-availability of land. However, Sonali, who hails from Belagavi, is hell bent on getting the project for the district.
The elite regional centres of the Lalit Kala Akademi are there in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bhubaneswar, Lucknow, Kolkata and Shimla. The proposed one will be the first for Karnataka. Sonali said that after the Lalit Kala Akademi approved the plan, she had spoken to minister for tourism and Kannada and culture, C T Ravi. “Minister Ravi has written to the Belagavi deputy commissioner on July 31, directing to grant land for the project.” The Lalit Kala Akademi has approved the project and it is absolutely fine with setting up the centre either in Hubballi-Dharwad or Belagavi.
A total 2 acres will be needed for the project. Sonali is keen on setting up the centre close to Belagavi Airport at Sambra. “The centre will attract international artists. Hence, it is ideal to erect the structure close to airport,” she said. The structure will also have residential blocks for artists to stay during their tour here,” she said.
Sonali has also spoken to Suresh Angadi and other elected representatives here, including district officials, to earmark land for the project. This project is executed jointly by the state government, Centre and the Lalit Kala Akademi. Hence, the role of the local administration in finding land for the project is key. As soon as local governing body identifies the land, funds will sanctioned. It may take two years to realise the project, tentatively. It should also be noted that Hubballi-Dharwad has land available for the project, and unless the district administration acts fast, this project may end up in Hubballi.