Why is it in the news?

• The Prime Minister inaugurated the first Indian Art, Architecture & Design Biennale (IAADB) 2023 at the Red Fort.
• It is India’s first Global Cultural Initiative to showcase Indian art, architecture and designs.

More about the news

• The Ministry of Culture takes the lead in organizing this monumental event, reflecting the government’s commitment to promoting and preserving India’s cultural legacy.
• The primary objectives are twofold:

1) Institutionalize a global cultural initiative in India, aligning it with renowned biennales held in cities like Venice, Sao Paulo, Singapore, Sydney, and Sharjah.

2) Foster a meaningful dialogue among artists, architects, designers, and other stakeholders to strengthen cultural ties and collaborations.

• Collaborations with key entities, including the Ministry of Education, National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), Archaeological Survey of India, National Council of Science Museums, and Lalit Kala Akademi, highlight the broad spectrum of support and expertise involved in making IAADB a reality.
• IAADB will feature exhibitions based on seven thematic pillars: Doors of India; Gardens of India; Baolis (step-wells) of India; Temples of India; Architectural Wonders of Independent India; Indigenous Design; and Women in Architecture and Design.

Aatmanirbhar Bharat Centre for Design (ABCD)

• ABCD, named Project Aatman, stands as a dedicated centre established to facilitate a sustainable cultural economy derived from India’s indigenous crafts.
• ABCD aims to promote the unique and rare crafts of India, ensuring their preservation and recognition; bring together artisans and designers, fostering collaboration to innovate and adapt traditional crafts to contemporary market demands.
• The centre is an initiative by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, operating under the Ministry of Culture. Its establishment aligns with the broader vision of promoting self-reliance in cultural and artistic endeavours.
• ABCD is strategically housed at the iconic Red Fort premises, symbolizing the integration of cultural heritage and contemporary innovation.
• The centre was inaugurated concurrently with IAADB, emphasizing the synergies between the two initiatives in promoting and preserving India’s rich cultural heritage through art, architecture, and design.