Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government will organise the Jatin Das Centre of Arts (JDCA)’s National Film Festival on Art and Artists from next year.
Announcing this at the inauguration of the 10th National Film Festival on Art & Artists at IDCOL Auditorium organised by the JDCA here on Friday, he said a festival of this kind will go a long way in documenting and preserving the art, artists and culture of Odisha for posterity.
Appreciating the initiative of JDCA aimed at greater exposure of art and artists, Patnaik said focusing on art and craft of Odisha is an encouraging gesture.
“JDCA's expertise in bringing quality films will benefit our art lovers, film makers and audiences at large. Odisha's greatest treasure is its rich cultural heritage, and we must make all possible efforts to put it on the art map of the globe,” Patnaik maintained.
The chief minister further said Odisha is gifted with a number of talented artists who belong to traditional as well as contemporary world of painting, sculpture, dance, music, weaving, etc.
“We have experts, master craftsmen and hereditary practitioners of various forms of arts and crafts, and music. Ours is a veritable treasure house of many traditional and folk dance forms,” he pointed out.
Stating that the state government has taken many initiatives for promotion, conservation and worldwide appreciation of art and craft of the state, Patnaik said his government has declared Raghurajpur as the model craft village where every member of the family is engaged in Patta paintings.
Besides, the state government has decided to set up a Crafts Museum in Bhubaneswar on about 12 acres of land, which will be the first of its kind in eastern India, he informed.
“The state government is extending all possible assistance and patronage to organize artist workshops and trainings, fairs, exhibitions, and felicitations,” said the chief minister.
Among others, Tourism and Culture minister Ashok Panda and JDCA chairman Jatin Das were present.