BANGALORE: The landmark boulevard on MG Road is back. And this, time with a big dollop of culture.
Three art galleries, 14 Nagara Pete kiosks, an auditorium, a dedicated space for toddlers and children, an elevated walkway, and outdoor space dedicated to artistic activities and workshops – this 450-metre stretch across hip and happening MG Road promises to be a culture hub. And the best part, you can access these for free the next time you visit the MG Road Metro station.
The Rs 800-lakh Rangoli-Metro Art Centre or R-MAC at the MG Road Boulevard opened its doors to the public for the very first time at 4.30pm Monday. Hundreds thronged the boulevard to see sculptures, art and photos on exhibition, fountains, and drank in the atmosphere of a mela, created by artistes and sculptors who opened stalls at the Nagara Pete section.
Many visitors who were passing by the MG Road area made their way in for a close glimpse of the R-MAC.
“They’ve done up the space pretty well, especially by mixing art, craft, stalls, galleries and children’s playing area,” said Akanksha M, 20, a music student who decided to visit the boulevard after seeing the festive atmosphere in the Metro station area.
Masih was fascinated to see a large snake and ladder mosaic in stone, created by artists. The giant-size game was created as part of an interactive play area for children, who can jump around the game, with their parents and guardians throwing the dice.
“I wish I had a dice, so that we could play snake and ladder here,” she lamented.
The water fountains at the boulevard added to the calm feeling. “It’s definitely a very attractive and interesting place,” said WK Pradeep, a student of Loyola College, Chennai, who’s on a visit to the city. “I can’t remember any place like this back in Chennai,” he added.
ART FOR THE MASSES
The artists and sculptors were the most sought-after people on Monday as they explained their craft to the public. People, irrespective of age, were seen trying their hand at pottery and other forms of art under close supervision of the artistes themselves. “I love sculpting. It’s very interesting,” said an elated Yasmin Mashia, 9, who had a go at sculpting.
Major craft traditions from all over the state were on display.
While Vismaya Gallery displayed photos on the making of Namma Metro, Chaya Gallery had a photo essay on ‘Bangalore – A City in Transition’, and Belaku Gallery showcased innovative methods to make learning mathematics fun and interesting.
“We’ve been waiting for months for the completion of the boulevard and it’s finally done,” said N Sivasailam, MD, Namma Metro.
“A visit to R-MAC is free but it could be charged only during specific events,” he added.
Northern Line trial by May 15
BMRC is hoping to start trial runs for trains on the Northern Line from May 15-20. The line between Peenya and Malleswaram connects Yeshwantpur, Mahalaksmi Layout and Rajajinagar. The trials will comprise trains covering a distance of 750km and tests on speed, distance braking and other running tests on the trains and tracks.
