Soon, walking through the streets of Lutyens’ Delhi may feel like walking through an open-air art gallery. The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) is starting a big new project to turn parts of central Delhi into a vibrant art district. Lutyens’ Delhi is a posh area with government buildings, parks, and cafes. It includes Parliament, museums, and Rashtrapati Bhawan, named after architect Edwin Lutyens.
This project will cover areas from Mandi House to Kasturba Gandhi Marg, and will include large outdoor sculptures, a sculpture garden, painting exhibitions, and regular cultural events. The goal is to bring art out of closed galleries and onto the streets, where everyone can enjoy it.
Sculptures Along the Streets
NDMC plans to install 15 large sculptures, each between 10 and 15 feet tall, in different parts of Lutyens’ Delhi. These will be placed near cultural landmarks like the National School of Drama, FICCI Auditorium, Copernicus Marg, and Triveni Kala Sangam. The sculptures will be made of stone, bronze, and stainless steel, and will be paired with lights and information boards for the public to learn about them.
Well-known Indian artists like Raghav R Kaneria, Ved Nair, Biman B Das, and others are already on board. Sculptures by famous late artists like Satish Gujral and Nagji Patel will also be featured. The first group of sculptures is expected to be installed within the next three months, and the whole project may be completed by the end of this year.
Sculpture Garden and Live Art Making
A sculpture garden will be set up inside Nehru Park in Chanakyapuri. Along with this, NDMC will organize an international sculpture symposium. Fifteen artists – ten from India and five from other countries – will be invited to work on new art pieces during a live studio session in Delhi. These new artworks will then be displayed in the sculpture garden.
Painting Symposium and Art for All
In September, a National Painting Symposium will be held, where 15 well-known Indian painters will create new works. These paintings will be displayed at various NDMC venues, making art a part of daily public life.
NDMC is also encouraging young artists by offering spaces at Khan Market and Nehru Park to showcase and sell their art. A new art gallery called Srijan Art Gallery is expected to open in Nehru Park this month, providing a platform for emerging talent.
Cultural Events All Year Round
To keep the cultural spirit alive, NDMC has started an Urban Arts and Culture Forum, which will plan events all year. These will include classical music shows, open-air film screenings, art markets, and spiritual music festivals. Events will take place in popular public spaces like Central Park, Lodhi Art District, and Talkatora Stadium.
NDMC hopes this initiative will make Lutyens’ Delhi one of the top cultural destinations in the world. By bringing art into everyday public spaces, they aim to make the city more beautiful, engaging, and inspiring for everyone.
