Bengaluru’s vibrant culture and historical tapestry are at the heart of an innovative initiative called Project 560. This unique endeavor aims to engage the city’s residents and transform Bengaluru into a dynamic canvas for artistic expression. The mission, spearheaded by the India Foundation for the Arts (IFA), is to celebrate and preserve Bengaluru’s rich heritage through a series of artistic projects.
“We want locals to engage with one another by ensuring Bengaluru remains the protagonist,” said Harshita Bathwal, a Programme Officer for Project 560. The initiative not only seeks to highlight the city’s history but also to foster a sense of community and long-term cultural vibrancy. The name of the project itself, Project 560, is a nod to Bengaluru’s postal code, symbolizing its all-encompassing reach across the entire city.
The initiative touches various aspects of Bengaluru’s heritage through neighbourhood engagements and curated artistic projects. One of the noteworthy contributions to Project 560 came from art conservationist Roshni M, who recently showcased her work at the Bangalore Creative Circus. Over a six-month period, Roshni delved into the history, art, and heritage of Rajajinagar, one of Bengaluru’s oldest industrial hubs. Her exploration culminated in an art exhibition and a documentary that captured the essence of the locality.
During her research, Roshni also conducted a series of ‘sketch meets’ where she collaborated with local artists to visually depict Rajajinagar. As a native of the area, she meticulously gathered archival information and conducted interviews around significant landmarks. These included the Navarang Theatre, Sagar Restaurants, and the Rajajinagar Foundation Pillar, symbolizing the locality’s heritage.
“The area is quite different from the one inaugurated by Jayachamaraja Wadiyar on July 3, 1949. In the last five years alone, over eight residential complexes have sprung up,” Roshni remarked. She noted that rapid development has drastically altered the landscape, with only the historic Ram Kumar Mills standing as a testament to Rajajinagar’s legacy.
. Expressing concern over further commercial encroachments, she stated, “It is likely that the adjacent areas are going to meet a similar end. Rajajinagar is close to the city centre, making it prime property for commercial and residential complexes to come up.”
Despite these changes, Rajajinagar retains much of its historical charm and cultural significance. It remains a bustling community hub where residents frequent popular spots and old haunts for their daily needs. The cultural diaspora of Rajajinagar is evident in its variety of temples, including the renowned ISKCON Temple and cultural establishments like the Rumale Art House.
Roshni faced challenges in her project, notably the scarcity of archival material and maps specific to Rajajinagar. Much of the available data encompassed broader areas, making her task of preserving the local heritage more demanding.
Project 560 is set to expand further across Bengaluru, aiming to involve more projects similar to Roshni’s. This opportunity is open not only to art professionals but to anyone interested in highlighting their area within the city. “We believe in ensuring education along with art. In fact, any interested individual who wants to highlight their area within the city can always reach out to us,” said Mridupankhi Rajkumari, another Programme Officer for Project 560.
The project’s call for applications is open until August 2, 2024, inviting the people of Bengaluru to contribute to this unique cultural endeavour. Those interested can visit indiaifa.org for more details.
Through initiatives like Project 560, Bengaluru’s rich cultural and historical narrative is being preserved and celebrated, ensuring that the city’s essence remains alive for future generations. By transforming Bengaluru into a dynamic canvas, Project 560 not only commemorates the past but also actively engages the present community in an artistic dialogue, fostering a deeper connection among its residents.
