Background
It is a known fact that Vijayawada has been one of the major cultural capitals of the Telugu language speaking people. Over of a period of time, many people migrated from Vijayawada to various other cities on various purposes such as employment, trading, and business etc., as below:
- This migration of a considerable size of culture lovers from out of Vijayawada has resulted in decline of importance for cultural and traditional arts of Krishna District in particular and Telugu people in general which use to be ubiquitous in and around Vijayawada.
- Adding to this, the swift development of Hyderabad as one of the futuristic global cities has attracted many people from Vijayawada to migrate to Hyderabad. Further, for several reasons including financial problems, lack of encouragement, rampant promotion of various artificial items and machine churned out articles, many of the artisan families have abandoned their art and embraced other works in search of livelihood.
- In some other cases, the younger generation in the artisan families have withdrawn from the practice of their hereditary and ancestral arts resulting in degeneration of the traditional arts to a great extent. These arts, which are in dire need of immediate support may otherwise suffer near casualty unless small efforts like CCVA come to their support along with the support from other required corners.
Due to the unfortunate developments of decline in the patronage and prominence for the local cultural and traditional art, the glory of Vijayawada as the Cultural Centre has gradually declined. This in turn resulted in decline of visits by art-loving tourists, decline of employment opportunities, fall in revenues from art related activities, waning of affinity, affection, emotional relationships and human bonding among the people of this origin.
Consequently, the art loving Telugu people are deprived of the delight and the amusement they use to get from the rich cultural and traditional arts of the local region.
Origin of the CCVA
Many a times, natives of Vijayawada have been expressing their wish about the preservation of the cultural and traditional art of Vijayawada and surrounding regions. There have been news in various media coverage expressing concern over the constant decline of the culture, tradition and related arts.
It is against this background and in honour of the rich culture and art, that ‘The Cultural Centre of Vijayawada & Amaravati ’ has been established in May 2014. The objects of Cultural Centre of Vijayawada (CCVA) includes many activities that will facilitate the revival / resurrection of the culture, tradition and related arts.
The following are the main objectives of the CCVA related to culture and art:
- To endeavour to maintain and uphold the Indian culture and cultural heritage
- To maintain and create interests in art and culture with the sole intention to percolate cultural heritage
- To conduct, organize and perform various cultural and social functions.
Place of Office:
The principal office for CCVA is at D.No. 32-9-17, 17A, & 32-2-6, MadhuMalaxmi Chambers, Madhu Gardens, Mogalrajpuram, Vijayawada 520010, Andhra Pradesh.
Launch / Inauguration of CCVA:
The activities of CCVA were launched / inaugurated by Shri Y.S. Chowdary, Hon’ble Minister of State for Science and Technology and Earth Science, Government of India.
Administering Team of CCVA: Lead by Dr. E. Sivanagi Reddy, CEO
CCVA is delighted to have Prof. E. Sivanagi Reddy as its full time Chief Executive Officer, who has been initiating the planned programmes. Prof. Sivanagi Reddy obtained his Ph.D from the University of Hyderabad, MBA from MS University, and MTM from MK University.
Brief profile of Dr. Sivanagi Reddy:
- He served in the Government sector for more than 30 years and his previous assignments include Professor, Dean, and Director of National Institute of Tourism and Hospital Management, Officer of Special Duty, Dept. of Archeology and Museums, Govt. of AP., Director, State Gallery of Arts, Govt. of AP, Hyderabad, etc.
- He authored about 34 books and more than 200 articles on Art, Archeology, Budhism and Tourism.
- He was conferred upon with various revered titles including ‘Vastusilpa Vachaspati’ and ‘Sthapati’ etc for his outstanding contribution in the relevant fields.
Dr. Sivanagi Reddy, is supported by a team of dedicated officers. The entire team including Dr. Sivanagi Reddy, the CEO, are operating as a team in promoting the objetives of CCVA.
Activities / programmes already conducted / commenced:
- Felicitation of artisans of Kondapalli Toy makers
- Felicitation of artisans of kalankari and other handprint cotton clothes
- Display of art paintings relating to culture, tradition, and also contemporary trends so as to enhance the reach of the same to the public and art lovers.
- Financial assistance to select artisans to encourage them in relishing their art process
- Recognition and Appreciation to artisans by the hand of notable dignitaries such as Minister, Govt. of India, Members of Parliament, MLAs., Zilla Parishad Chairperson, Mayors, etc.
- Sponsorship of implements for artisans
- Promotion of various handmade, art-related, tradition related and culture related items so as to facilitate the artisans making such items to derive improved marketability and thereby gain economic benefits.