Nestled amidst the dynamic pulse of Bengaluru on Kasturba Road stands the Museum of Art and Photography (MAP), an institution that has celebrated its first anniversary with the unwavering ethos of preserving and promoting India’s artistic heritage. Since its inception on February 18, the museum has become a beacon for democratizing access to art and culture, ensuring that it is inclusive and accessible to a wide array of audiences.
True to its mission, MAP has recently introduced an ingenious initiative that leverages its road-facing screen to introduce the general public to the works of new artists. As Shaina Jagtiani, the Head of Communications and PR at MAP, articulated, involving the community in arts and culture is essential to MAP’s inclusivity mission. Through the #AtMAP initiative, the Indian art community is invited to play an active role and contribute directly to the museum’s display of art.
MAP aims to glorify emerging artists, providing them with a stage to assert their presence and share their perspectives and ideas. The institution believes in nurturing a sense of community, offering a platform for showcasing talent to a broader audience. Since December 2023, the #AtMAP initiative has kicked off with ‘New Year’ as its inaugural theme, with subsequent themes aligning with MAP’s milestones, including ‘Birthdays’ to celebrate the museum’s anniversary.
The process for artists is straightforward yet profound. They are invited to submit their artwork alongside a description offering insight into their interpretation of each theme. As Shaina explains, these descriptions offer a greater appreciation of the artworks and are a key part of the selection process. Despite a rigorous review process leading to the shortlisting of works for display, there is a consciousness that art is indeed subjective. With this in mind, MAP is actively seeking new ways to showcase all received artwork, possibly utilizing social platforms or the museum’s newsletter.
Interestingly, the selection also accounts for the passersby who observe the screen, opting for works that captivate and resonate with the casual onlooker. This highlights the museum’s dual role as both a curator of art and a public fixture enriching the city’s cultural landscape.
#AtMAP has sparked interest among a diverse cadre of artists, from professional illustrators to novices exploring the world of art. In a short span, MAP has received a plethora of submissions, spanning different age groups and geographic locations, creating a tableau of community-driven artwork. For instance, a submission under the ‘Birthdays’ theme showcased plastic upcycling, utilizing candy wrappers to depict the intersection of urban growth and resultant waste—symbolizing the rebirth of recycled materials. Other contributions have included photographs capturing intimate moments preluding birthdays and abstract paintings from nationally recognized artists.
In the coming month of March, #AtMAP participants are anticipated to delve into the world of vintage postcards with themes of love, joy, and news sharing. Recognizing the museum’s growing impact, National Geographic included MAP in its ‘Best of the World 2024’ list, ranking it amongst the top 20 cultural hotspots.
To mark its first anniversary, MAP is collaborating with Smoor, purveyors of gourmet chocolates and desserts, to unveil an artistic dessert—expected to be a literal embodiment of art on a plate. This dessert will be available at select Smoor outlets across Bengaluru, merging culinary art with the creative essence of MAP.
Reflecting on its journey, MAP stands as more than just a museum—it is a progressive cultural hub that embraces community engagement and contemporaneity, making it not just a museum in Bengaluru, but a museum for Bengaluru. SHare
