The current
situation of Kala Academy draws the attention of not only architects and civil engineers but also
art lovers that have been a part of the institute for years. Hence, when a
petition was circulated on social media to save Kala Academy, mentioning that
the structure is threatened with the demolition by the state government, it
struck a chord with many. But now, Govind Gaude, Minister for Art and Culture,
Government of Goa has come forward to refute making any such statement.
According to earlier reports, Gaude confirmed that the report of
the structural audit carried out by Goa College of Engineering (GEC) had suggested
strengthening the structure. The government has proposed another audit by
GSIDC, and this report is expected by August-end. “I never said that Kala
Academy will be demolished. It has been just presumed and predicted. Like many
others, even I have performed here and look at it sympathetically. Nobody
should be misguided or panicked that Kala Academy would be demolished,” he
said, replying to the demands for grants for Art and Culture at the Goa
Assembly.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
Refuting claims that the Charles Correa Foundation was not
consulted over the matter, the minister said that a meeting with the former
took place where in Kala Academy’s structure related issues were discussed.
However, the Foundation did not revert to the government with any solution. He
added, “We are also taking a second opinion for which a tender has been
floated. The auditing will be carried out by the GSIDC that will submit its
report by August-end. We will take a decision only thereafter.”
Cafe did get in touch with the Charles Correa
foundation after the Minister’s remark, but the Foundation refused to speak on
the subject since the matter is in court
However, the fraternity of architects and civil engineers in Goa
are fully backing the foundation.
Architect Rhea D’Souza from Mapusa used to work at the Charles
Correa Foundation and was shocked to learn about the petition and immediately
signed it. “There are so many memories of Kala Academy; I have been for big and
small conferences and even to spend time with friends and have lunch on the lawns.
When I learnt about the petition that came through the Charles Correa
Foundation, I was shocked about its demolition. Now, it’s out that the
structure will not be demolished and I hope that is the case because of so many
reasons. If renovation to the whole structure is not done properly, it will
still be risky. A subtle change in the initial stage can become a bigger change
later,” says Rhea.
Idris Shariff is the
president of the National Association of Students of Architecture. Based in
Bangalore, he heard about the petition and was also pushing the petition among
their network of over 20,000 students of the architecture circuit. “I learnt
about the petition through the architecture fraternity and I have friends at
the Charles Correa Foundation in Goa. Through I am based in Bangalore, I come
to Goa to meet members of the association. I have visited Kala Academy and I
knew about the institute for which the petition was put online.
Goa College of
Engineering, Farmagudi submitted their report on the structure and they need to
talk to the experts. I feel it was the right thing to do by signing the
petition. I am not sure whether the word ‘demolish’ was used but Kala Academy
will require restructuring and an expert opinion,” says Idris.
Presently, the administration
section of Kala Academy is operational from the institute while the Department
of Western Music, School of Drama, Repertory Company, Faculty of Indian Music
and College of Theatre Arts will be shifted shortly to Adil Shah Palace,
Panjim.
A official from Kala
Academy informs that since the second structural audit has not yet come, as a
precautionary measure, the institute has shut down from organising events at
the premises. “Neither the minister nor any government functionary has given
any statement about the demolition of Kala Academy.
People are
unnecessarily panicking and signing the petition,” said the official. He
further adds that Kala Academy had requested a government structural audit for
the complex in 2006, which was finally done last year through the Goa College
of Engineering. Once the second audit is in, they will then float a tender and
discuss with stakeholders including the Goa chapter of the Institute of
Architects and Institute of Civil Engineers.
While
Govind Gaude’s statement comes as a relief, the art and performing arts
community are optimistic that the institute will be open soon for programs. But
the confusion clearly lies over semantics in this seat of culture.
