UT’s first public art policy on the cards, draft ready

Ramkrishan Upadhyay
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, September 8

The UT Administration is preparing a public art policy on the pattern of world-famous cities like Chicago, Sydney, New York and London.

It has readied a draft of the policy, which will be placed in the next meeting of the Chandigarh Heritage Conservation Committee, for its approval. Once approved, works of art will be installed in the city in consonance with the policy.

The city’s first public art policy will also ensure strict compliance of the edict of the city prepared by Le Corbusier, a Swiss-born French architect, who was against installation of statues of personalities. He designed an abstract symbol of Open Hand as an emblem for the city, instead of glorifying any national hero or icon. Le Corbusier and his cousin Pierre Jeanneret had created several art works in the Capitol Complex and the Assembly buildings.

Since the creation of the city, many sculptures designed by city-based architects were installed in Sector 17 and the Leisure Valley in Sector 10. However, in the absence of any policy, the city failed to get any world-class sculpture. Sources said the policy was being prepared with an aim to beautify the urban skyline with some high-quality work of art that would be attractive and beautify the public space. 

The policy will pave the way for installation of sculptures of world-famous artists. Besides, local and regional art, along with artists, will also be promoted. 

Many cities across the world actively encourage creation of public art. Chicago is world-famous for its public art. Almost every major park or public space there is replete with world-class urban art. 

Sources said the draft policy was prepared by a group of architects while keeping in mind the architecture and the need of the city. It also provides for constituting a committee for approving art works to be installed in the city.