Lok Sabha Question No. 1129 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-02
Subject: Modern Art Museums
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Smt. Geniben Nagaji Thakor

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1129 TO BE ANSWERED ON 02.12.2024

## 'MODERN ART MUSEUMS'

## † 1129.SMT. GENIBEN NAGAJI THAKOR:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of the steps being taken by the Government to promote modern art;
- (b) the details of the number of modern art museums being operated in the Gujarat State; and
- (c) whether  the  Government  has  any  plan  to  set  up  a  new  Museum  of  Modern  Art  in  the future?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM

## (GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

- (a) National  Gallery  of  Modern  Art  (NGMA),  Delhi  a  subordinate  office  under  Ministry  of Culture  (MoC)  Government  of  India,  is  India's  premier  art  institution  for  modern  and contemporary Indian art, with the singular aim of promoting and preserving modern Indian art. It has two branches i.e. Bengaluru and Mumbai.  The National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA)  in  India  plays  a  crucial  role  in  promoting  modern  and  contemporary  art  by providing  a  platform  for  artists,  curators,  and  art  enthusiasts.    It  has  more  than  17,000 works of modern art, both of Indian and foreign origin, covering a time span of over 160 years from approximately 1850 AD onwards.

National  Gallery  of  Modern  Art  also  provide  a  platform  to  organize  regular  exhibitions showcasing a wide variety of modern and contemporary Indian and international art. These exhibitions  present  the  works  of  well-established  artists  as  well  as  emerging  talents.  By featuring  diverse  artistic  expressions  and  styles,  the  gallery  introduces  audiences  to  the evolving trends in modern art.

INTERNSHIP  AT  NGMA: To  encourage  students  studying  art  and  museum-related subjects and to provide them with professional training and career opportunities, NGMA offers on-the-job internships.

To  further  our  core  objective  of  knowledge  dissemination,  we  offer  passionate  young professionals  opportunities  to  work  with  our  vast  collection  and  gain  exposure  to  key museological concepts.  This initiative ensures that our  experienced staff can mentor and train the next generation of museum professionals.

## GUIDED TOUR VOLUNTEER PROGRAMME:

NGMA's  educational  imperatives  of  disseminating  knowledge  is  held  in  the  highest accord. To fulfil this vital aspect of our vision, we seek highly motivated and enthusiastic young volunteers to guide students, occasional dignitaries, and the general public through the museum. Our two-week training module is designed to equip volunteers with a strong foundation  in  NGMA's  collection,  Indian  modern  art  in  its  socio-cultural  context,  the evolving role of museums in society, and various artmaking techniques.

Besides,  Ministry  of  Culture,  operates  a  Museum  Grant  Scheme  under  which  financial assistance  is  provided  for  setting  up  new  museum/development  of  existing  museum  by Central/State Governments and Public Sector Undertakings, Societies, Autonomous bodies, Local Bodies and Trust registered under the Societies Registration Act 1860 at the regional, state and district level. Modern Art museums/galleries are also funded under this Scheme. The guidelines of the Museum Grant Scheme are available on the website of the Ministry at www.indiaculture.gov.in.

- (b) There is no Modern Art Museum under the administrative control of Ministry of Culture in the Gujarat State.
- (c) No such proposal is under consideration in the Ministry.