Member Secy says 50% civil work has been completed, including re-strengthening of building
PANAJI
The undergoing repairs and renovation work at Kala Academy is expected to complete in stipulated time frame of 365 days which is June 2022, and currently 50% of the civil work has been completed which includes re-strengthening of the building, assures Pravin Barad, member secretary of Kala Academy.
“This iconic structure in the heart of the capital city is the most favourite public space for various forms of performing art, one of the most prestigious projects of the renowned architect Charles Correa, and all care has been taken to repair, restore and renovate the building retaining its beauty and without demolishing any part of the structure,” he said.
While speaking to The Goan, the member secretary said, “The chief architect and engineers in the Public Works Department (PWD) are undertaking the repairs in consultation with the authorities of Kala Academy as well as the government, and we will maintain the natural aesthetic look of the original building.”
The waterproofing of the slabs has been completed and the renovation for preservation and maintenance is currently going on. There has been no demolition of any kind, including the open air auditorium. Earlier in August this year, the minister of Art and Culture and chairman of Kala Academy had announced that the repairs and renovation that had started in June 2021 would be completed in 10 months, by February 2022.
“However, as the monsoon continued for over eight months, the work got delayed. The work had to be done at a slow pace as the laterite stone used in the construction has deteriorated over time, making the structure delicate, and hence we have to take extreme care while continuing the repairs. The laterite stone has to be changed as it absorbs water,” said Barad.
The seating capacity of the auditoriums will not be enhanced, or any other structure will not be added to the present building, except for a few internal renovations. “The black box which was renovated during the first International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in 2004, demolishing a ‘rajangan’ look, will now be restored to its original form it was at the time of inception in 1970. The step-like sitting arrangement was removed to accommodate more audience in the black box, but now it will have its original look,” informed Barad, adding, “Our jury room also is in much demand during IFFI and we are looking forward to have the next, 53rd IFFI at KA.”
Meagre revenue
The State government run Kala Academy earns very little income by renting their auditoriums to plays, events, tiatr, etc. As the government has offered the place as a platform to aid local art forms, hence the rent is fixed on subsidised rate for tiatr or plays. When the place is used for IFFI, Lokotsava, etc which is organised by the State government, the revenue does not go to KA.
During the first IFFI, it was discussed whether any rent should come to KA for giving the space for IFFI, but the government reasoned that the prestigious event like IFFI is invited to Goa by the government, there should not be any rent charged by the government run KA.
In the later years, KA put forth the point of rent, but it was dismissed saying, all these years there was no charge for organising IFFI events in the premises, so that status co should be maintained. KA has had offers from five-star resorts to lend their lawn for parties, but as the place was meant for art activities, KA refused to give it for lawn parties to serve alcohol.
KA also got proposals for allowing the construction of a floating jetty for casinos, but that proposal too was declined by the committee. The jetty that was built for IFFI has already corroded and of no use.
Plans to start post-graduation at College of Theatre Arts
PANAJI: Though the sitting capacity of any of the auditoriums or conference halls would not be enhanced, Kala Academy’s College of Theatre Arts is expecting to add some facilities like classrooms, audio-video studio and faculty strength.
Prof Ramrao Wagh, principal of KA’s College of Theatre Arts stated, “We are planning to add post-graduation courses and will need more classrooms. The current faculty of five will be enhanced too. Currently there are 30 students in the graduation course. But more apply for it too. If the admission capacity is increased, we would be able to take in more students for graduation as well as post-graduation. Other facilities like librarian and PE teacher which are required for a college are already there.”
Currently, the students are shifted to Ponda as the classes are taken in Rajiv Gandhi Kala Mandir.
