RV University has launched the Centre for Visual and Performing Arts to bridge the gap in conservation, performing arts and art education, the event was attended by celebrities like Arundhati Nag, founder, Ranga Shankara, B Jayashree, MP, Rajya Sabha, and Jayant Kaikini, renowned Kannada author.

The launch event was held at RV Dental College auditorium in JP Nagar, Bangalore. The evening included performances by RV University students showing their newly acquired skills through the energetic Kamsale dance, a scintillating display of Yakshagana by students of Yaksha Degula and a tribute to Lata Mangeshkar by Sangeeta Katti, who sang evergreen melodies. 

In his address, Dr M.K. Panduranga Setty, Chancellor, RV University and President Rashtreeya Sikshana Samithi Trust said, “The future workplaces of the world are looking at creativity, collaboration and communication. These are skills of artistic training. A solid foundation of knowledge and the ability to think innovatively and creatively is the aspiration of every Liberal Arts School and global economy. At RV University, we want to promote that. We remain committed not merely to academic excellence, but academic excellence with the ability to creatively solve problems, to be able to work with society and make it a more livable place”.

Outlining the plans of the Centre for Visual and Performing Arts, Dr. YSR Murthy, Vice-Chancellor, RV University said, “We have received a philanthropic grant from C. Krishniah Chetty Group of Jewelers to organise an Annual Music Festival in Bengaluru in November 2022.  Subsequently, we have plans to start an annual theatre and annual dance festival. We will forge collaborations with the top cultural institutions, art and theatre schools, music sabhas, major national and international festivals, museums, and art galleries.” 

Highlighting the RV University’s commitment to make this Centre a vibrant entity and organise year round activities, Vice Chancellor, RVU, Dr. Murthy said, “The Centre will host workshops,  conferences, lecture demonstrations by leading performing artistes and artist-in-residence programmes. The Centre will offer a range of certificate courses, short term courses, and weekend programmes that will provide great learning opportunities to students and the community.” 

Professor Deepa Ganesh, Executive Director, Centre for Visual and Performing Arts said, “Art was never insular, it was always profoundly impacted by the socio-political happenings of the society. To study art, therefore, not only holds clues to the past but has keys to handle the future.” 

According to the institution’s press release the courses taught at the Centre will have their linkage with the liberal arts courses that the university offers. This combination will allow students to study a broader range of subjects. It will help in developing well-rounded individuals having adequate knowledge and skills in multiple fields. The students will be taught to think critically and be problem-solvers, which will be an incredibly valuable skill in any career.

The press release further said that there will be interdisciplinary courses provided to students through the Liberal Arts programme of RV University, which is already offering courses such as Introduction to Performing Arts, Creative Writing, and Great Films of the World, which prepares the student to think in a creative way.

The advisory board members of the Centre include experts from various fields of music, dance and fine arts like Arundhati Nag, Girish Kasaravalli, Sukanya Ramgopal and H.K. Venkataram among others.

Also read: Interview: Prof (Dr) YSR Murthy, Founding Vice-Chancellor, RV University