Kochi’s ‘moving art gallery’ has not moved anywhere in 10 years

Kochi: Visitors arriving at the Durbar Hall Art Gallery in Kochi, which regularly hosts various exhibitions, would have noticed a bus parked in a neglected condition outside.

The Kerala Lalithakala Akademi launched the bus with the aim of taking art to the people across the state. However, the ‘Moving art gallery’ has remained at the present spot for the last 10 years, and all efforts by the Akademi to get it running have reached nowhere.

Purchased and made ready to host art exhibitions at a considerable expense, the bus ceased moving 10 years ago following a default in the payment of insurance premium. Similarly, even though the bus was registered as a special category vehicle, the permit was changed to the tourist category after two years, which necessitated payment of higher taxes.

In November last year, the Akademi prepared a plan to revive the art gallery inside the bus and invited entries from school students. Prizes were also presented to selected artworks. However, financial constraints prevented the Akademi from holding the exhibition on the bus.

“We are still engaged in efforts to make the bus roadworthy. Steps are being taken to carry out maintenance before the next exhibition, which will display paintings on the theme ‘Mahatma Gandhi’s 169 days after Independence.’ We intend to take this exhibition to schools,” said Akademi chairman Murali Cheeroth. “The bus is still in working condition,” he claimed.