Jehangir turns 60

In India's culture circuit, Jehangir Art gallery of Mumbai enjoys an iconic status. So, the celebrations for its 60th anniversary are expected to be just as grand. The celebrations begin today, with the inauguration of a renovated auditorium hall.

The hall, which served as a platform for both the fine and performance arts in the '50s, has been refurbished with modern amenities but retains its historical structure. "The auditorium was getting a little old; it used to get very hot in summer and that used to cause the artists discomfort. Apart from getting it air-conditioned, we have installed a better lighting system and made slight changes in the ceiling designs," says Adi Jehangir, Chairman, Committee of Management and the Staff at the gallery.

For Jehangir, a non-profit institution, these modern installations have been made possible partly because of the extra charges the artists have agreed to pay.

The 12-day Diamond Jubilee celebrations of what can be called one of country's most significant art spaces, would see a fundraising auction, "Art for Jehangir", at the Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai on October 17. "Almost all artists across the country have contributed to the auction, from SH Raza to Jitish Kallat, and we plan to use the funds to open two additional exhibition spaces on the premises in the next few years," says Sapna Kar, festival director, Jehangir.

The auction will be preceded by Jehangir's digital launch through its website. The site promises to be an interactive space between the gallery and artists.

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