India’s first open-air ‘waste to art’ museum in Bhubaneswar

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BHUBANESWAR: Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister of Odisha inaugurated the International Public Art Symposium (IPAS), India’s first open-air ‘waste to art’ museum on October 21, organised by the Artist Network Promoting Indian Culture (ANPIC), Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) and Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC). It is also the state’s first dedicated space for artists.

While addressing the event Patnaik said that he wish to congratulate the artists for their wonderful exhibits which have been miraculously made out of junk. He also appreciated ANPIC for their initiative.

It took 20 days to curate pieces for space under the theme ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’. The museum aims to create awareness among the citizens of Odisha on the environment, climate change and reuse of waste materials. It has highlighted the species like the Odisha Olive Ridley Turtle, the Indian Elephant, the Indian Rhino, the Nilgiri Tahr, the Bengal Tiger, the Blackbuck, Snow Leopard and the Lion-Tailed Macaque, to bring attention to wildlife protection.

Sashank Mohapatra, Managing Trustee, ANPIC, said that the art is not only a medium for the delight for the eyes but it’s a medium that delivers a strong social message which is essential need of the hour. This first ‘waste to art’ open-air museum which will be a great tourist attraction will also create awareness on various environmental issues such as wildlife conservation. He further added that the initiative is also going to boost socio-cultural art in Odisha and would encourage young artists to come up with new ideas.