University College of Visual Arts, Davanagere Celebrates Diamond Jubilee

Bengaluru: The University College of Visual Arts, Davanagere is celebrating its Diamond Jubilee, this year and year-long programs are underway to celebrate the occasion in a befitting manner. Thanks to the past students, well-wishers and patrons and their enthusiasm to contribute in whatever way possible there is no dearth of activities to commemorate the milestone in the annals of the visual art institution now under the aegis of the Davanagere University. Dr Jayaraj M Chikpatil, Principal of the college briefed about the significant characteristics of the sixty-year-old academic body in an informal chat. Excerpts from the interview:

Q: Can you recall the background of the University College of Visual Arts, Davanagere?
Dr Jayaraj M Chikpatil: The University College of Visual Arts, Davanagere is currently celebrating its sixty years of existence. Although the college started in 1964 it was under the purview of the Technical Board, Bengaluru until 1992. From 1992 onwards it came under the jurisdiction of the Kuvempu University in Shivamogga district. Once it got handed over to Kuvempu University, BVA, MVA UG and PG programs commenced. In 2009 the college was shifted to Davanagere University paving the way for the BVA Animation program in 2018 along with the Degree and Post-Graduate Degree courses. From the year 2020 onwards Ph D programs began.

Q: What courses do you offer at the Degree, Post Graduate and Ph D courses?
Dr Jayaraj M Chikpatil: Presently, there are four Departments in the college. The following courses are offered at the Degree level:
*BVA in Applied Art.
*BVA in Painting.
*BVA in Sculpture and
*BVA in Animation.

At the Post Graduate Degree level, there are two divisions namely, MVA in Applied Art and MVA in Painting. Likewise, there are also two sections in the research area, i.e. Applied Art and Painting.

Q: When was the Theme Park opened up on the premises of the college?
Dr Jayaraj M Chikpatil: The Theme Park in the college premises was dedicated by S S Mallikarjun, Horticulture Minister and Davanagere district in-charge Minister on 09 March 2024 and the park was made available for public viewing from 01 December 2024.

Q: What is the response of the general public to the Theme Park?
Dr Jayaraj M Chikpatil: The response is very good as not less than 300-400 people are visiting the park every day and enjoy the artefacts on display. They not only rejoice in seeing the park but are equally happy glancing at the art exhibitions in the college.

Q: What are the activities on the eve of the Diamond Jubilee?
Dr Jayaraj M Chikpatil: To celebrate the Diamond Jubilee, the University College of Visual Arts, Davanagere is organizing at least one or two art exhibitions, seminars and workshops every month. These are done in two ways; one is by having them with the help of our old students while the other way is by holding them with the coordination of senior veteran artists, resource persons and Principals of different colleges from across the state.

Q: What is the role of the Past Students Association in celebrating the Diamond Jubilee?
Dr Jayaraj M Chikpatil: The Alumni Association is organizing one program every month for students from first to tenth standards under the same banner of the University College of Visual Arts, Davanagere. They have planned six programs and are inviting 600 students in February to receive certificates from the Vice Chancellor of Davanagere University.

Q: What about programs on behalf of the University College of Visual Arts, Davanagere?
Dr Jayaraj M Chikpatil: We are planning for a national-level symposium in March next year. Apart from that, we have been organizing one or two programs every month from April 2024 onwards. Due to general elections, we were not able to do any programs during May and June. However, we are planning to overcome the loss by doing three programs every month, henceforth.

Q: What is the response of the public for all your programs?
Dr Jayaraj M Chikpatil: There has been a tremendous response from the public and media for all our programs. I feel happy to note here that a state government-owned educational organization's activities have become popular among the masses. Many people are also wondering how a government college is in a spree of activities all around the year.

Q: How do you manage to do these programs?
Dr Jayaraj M Chikpatil: Any artist will face any number of problems in doing an exhibition and in a way it can be compared to that of undergoing a delivery pain! We plan well in advance to initiate any activity and any program is planned three months in advance. We just don't end up merely sponsoring exhibitions but make the best use of the resource persons in doing workshops as well. Anyone can witness an art exhibition but the workshops provide an opportunity for the students to see the artists at work, interact with them and try to learn their skill sets which is of significance as our's is an educational institution. Generally, exhibitions are held in the galleries, but we have made it a point to ensure workshops along with the exhibitions. The reason is, that we faculty members teach by the prescribed syllabus while on the other hand, the artists draw based on their own experience. Hence, the students are dually benefitted and that is the advantage of organizing the workshops.

-Manohar Yadavatti