Since time immemorial, art has portrayed the evolution of culture through painting, sculptures and art forms. Art is an expression of society and is self-reflective. It educates us about values and ideas and is a universal language that crosses the barriers of language and culture.
The importance of art in society and education was also recognised in the National Education Policy of 2020 https://www.aicte-india.org/sites/default/files/nep2020.pdf, which states: “The arts — besides strengthening cultural identity, awareness, and uplifting societies — are well known to enhance cognitive and creative abilities in individuals and increase individual happiness.”
The Policy also encourages institutions to hire artists and crafts persons, especially from local communities, as guest faculty to promote music, art, languages and handicrafts. In 2022, Visthar set up the Visthar Academy of Culture and Contemporary Studies (VACCS), an offshoot of Visthar Trust. VACCS is an environment for budding artists to pursue art and has been conceived as a holistic education centre. Situated on our lush green campus, the biodiversity of the place nurtures a deep connection to nature and stimulates a learner’s creative energies.
VACCS introduces learners to different media and techniques for creative and productive expressions and provides opportunities for interacting with folk artists and accessing locally available natural materials.
The Policy also encourages institutions to hire artists and crafts persons, especially from local communities, as guest faculty to promote music, art, languages and handicrafts. In 2022, Visthar set up the Visthar Academy of Culture and Contemporary Studies (VACCS), an offshoot of Visthar Trust. VACCS is an environment for budding artists to pursue art and has been conceived as a holistic education centre.Situated on our lush green campus, the biodiversity of the place nurtures a deep connection to nature and stimulates a learner’s creative energies.
VACCS introduces learners to different media and techniques for creative and productive expressions and provides opportunities for interacting with folk artists and accessing locally available natural materials.
Careers in art
Many career streams are opening up for artists today. After completing a degree in visual arts students can work as animators, commercial artists, art directors, illustrators, art directors, etc.
Art has expanded because of technology. Today artists are not dependent on galleries like in earlier days. Artists can create a social media page to exhibit their work and land buyers. Or attract corporate sponsorships to pursue a career as a pure artist. After Covid, many corporate professionals have moved away from routine jobs to seek alternative careers that are less mainstream. Some have selected careers in art and music since art gives you more freedom while charting your career.
Bachelor of Visual Arts (BVA)
In the age of AI, there is a need for critical thinking, holistic exposure and a love for learning. Embracing arts fosters the development of these traits.
The Bachelor of Visual Arts (BVA) https://vistharacademy.org/courses/ degree is VACCS’s endeavour to foster design and culture studies. The four-year-long BVA programmes cover art history, painting, sculpture, printmaking and applied arts.
Art History studies how art has evolved over centuries and civilization. From cave paintings to civilizations, it positions paintings and sculptures in cultural and historical contexts.
Painting is a fascinating medium that creates a three-dimensional image in two dimensions. You need to develop a strong imagination and nimble skills to execute a mental image on canvas.
Sculpture teaches you to capture a motion frozen in a moment and the modelling techniques used to communicate the likeness and expressions of forms.
Printmaking, also known as graphic art, is the combination of practical skills and theoretical knowledge to create prints using traditional and contemporary techniques.
Applied Arts delves into the application of art in various fields. Graphic designing, digital illustrations, product designing, filmmaking and advertising are some examples of it. Applied art teaches an artist to position their art.
Other offerings
The Diplomas in Painting and Sculpture https://vistharacademy.org/courses/ are comprehensive courses in the basics of art processes through experiential learning. Held every Saturday, they encompass art education and creative pedagogy. These two diplomas are for mainstream college students and working professionals.
In the Certificate Programme https://vistharacademy.org/community-art-classes/, individual tuitions for drawing and painting are given through demonstrations by professional artists. This is a weekend programme for school children from ages five to 15.
For the Community Outreach Programme https://vistharacademy.org/community-outreach/, art is used as a tool to engage with physically or intellectually challenged individuals to give them a therapeutic experience. The Poetry Circle https://vistharacademy.org/poetry-circle/ is a platform for poets and poetry enthusiasts to come together. The participants share their original works, engage in meaningful discussions about the art form, and recite works of their favourite poets.