Surat (Gujarat): Dumas Art Project (DAP), the annual public art initiative, today announced the inauguration of its month long eighth edition. DAP2020 encourages creative explorations around the theme of “sustainability”, through partnerships with leading institutions and notable individuals from the artistic community. Collaborators this year include The Maharaja Sayajirao University Baroda, Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, Ministry of Memories and the Surat Photography Club.
DAP 2020 is supported by Yuj Kutumb, The Yog Foundation. As for previous editions, VR Surat as part of its Connecting Communities© initiative that aims to encourage civic pride, strengthen the local economy and enhance the city’s national and international image, will be the primary venue partner. DAP 2020 is also supported by Navjivan Motors.
The Honourable Dr. Jagdish Patel, Mayor of Surat inaugurated the festival by unveiling the annual VR Art Car, painted this year by Professors Bhrigu Sharma, Lokesh Khodke and a collective of artists from the Surat School of Fine Arts. The unveiling was followed by the opening of the Gujarat-In-Focus photography exhibition at the Runway and a walkthrough of all the sustainability themed installations where Dr. Patel interacted with the student artists present.
Speaking on the occasion, Sumi Gupta, Curator of the festival said, “I am thrilled to steer this fantastic public initiative in its eighth year. This edition of DAP has incredible collaborations with institutions and student artists from across the region, creating a vibrant platform for large-scale installations, sculptures and photography. Over the next month, DAP 2020 will bring together a community of connoisseurs, art students, patrons, and the citizens of Surat in a celebration of Gujarat’s art and culture.”
Visitors will enjoy a dedicated month of artistic immersion during which VR Surat, the venue partner will be a hub of activity, with installations, exhibitions, an art bazaar, art workshops, a children’s art competition and several other exciting events.
