Economy, expression, inclusion: What all will draw Pune artists’ votes

A major arts hub of India, Pune has a history of creating works that comment on socio-cultural and political realities through theatre, music, dance and visual art. Most artists wish that issues, such as the lack of public art and community centres, would feature on parties’ electoral agendas.

Dr Nandkishore Kapote, an eminent Kathak dancer, says, “I will cast my vote in for a candidate, who is likely to help artists. There are senior artists who have done great work but fallen on bad times. They are without any income and in desperate need of help with medicines and essentials. A lot of ministers come and go but nobody seems to care about art. I have my eyes on a candidate who, in the past, has tried to help artists but can do better.”

Classical musician Shrinivas Joshi feels that issues of funding for artists can be solved if the country makes economic progress. “The World Bank report indicates that the present government has done well in terms of economic progress,” says Joshi. The report he mentions has estimated a 7.5 per cent growth in the Indian economy in 2024.

For gallerist Lisa Pingale of Monalisa Kalagram, freedom of expression is the most important deciding factor.

Vaishali Oak, whose works are showcased in various countries, points out that the Ministry of Culture gives 200 fellowships for eight categories of artists. “This is miniscule when you consider the number of artists India has.

The fellowship amount is Rs 20,000 for senior artists and Rs 10,000 for juniors. This is my topmost issue this election but all political parties are equally unconcerned toh bahut hi mushkil hai (it is very difficult),” she says.

“I think the leaders who have done the most for art were Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi. A lot of good work was done during the Congress era, which includes opening institutions, such as the National Gallery of Modern Art in Delhi,” said Oak adding that the Congress does not base its politics on divisiveness and hatred.

Raju Sutar, who creates modern abstract art from an Indian approach, captures the dilemma of an artist who struggles with expression and survival. “Both, expression and survival, are a challenge at present. We are boosting our economy, but there is little happening in terms of trade in art. Youngsters are not getting a chance at all because there is a capitalist idea of buying big brands. It is the responsibility of the state to support the next generation of artists. In the initial days, we had Nehru and Indira Gandhi, who started institutions and were keen on supporting artists. Nowadays this is not happening, unless the art is a statue that promotes a certain propaganda,” said Sutar adding that he will vote for a party that provides an environment “where an artist is not worried about expressing anything.”

“At present, survival is a problem, so how can an artist find different things to express? The environment is lacking,” he says.

Gauri Gandhi, an artist, curator and teacher who helped set up Art Mandai, an annual event that brings art to the public right in the middle of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Mandai, says that an election issue should be to make art reach government buildings “for many to interact with art every day and there should be more public gardens instead of high-rise residential buildings and malls.”

“Next to my house, there is a public lavatory and I see many people stopping there. We need many more. The other priority for me is garbage disposal. Every party promises to set up a proper waste management system but we still haven’t seen it being strictly implemented. I saw hope when BJP came up with Swachh Bharat and started setting up toilets. But, systems should be made more stringent and strict rules for all to follow,” says Gandhi.

For younger artists, politics comes wrapped in idealism. “Did you know that MLAs have a lot of space, like halls, which they give out on rent? Artists, on the other hand, don’t have enough practice spaces. Major halls are given to commercial artists on weekends, so younger artists doing experimental works don’t have enough space. We keep going to elected representatives and civic officials but are rarely successful,” says theatre artist Prem Mohite, who is working on a play on Shri Krishna ‘Shyama’.

Mohite adds that since the issue of artists is not a concern for politicians, he will vote for development. “There is a candidate, who works quietly at the grassroot and calls on people individually. He has even reached out to theatre artists. I would like to vote for his party,” says Mohite.

Dhanashree Heblikar, creative director at Swatantra Theatre and Films, which has represented Pune theatre at forums such as the Bharat Rang Mahotsav, a festival organised by Delhi’s National School of Drama, is holding strongly to her belief that “art, at its core and in spirit, has always been a mirror to society and, by its very definition, challenges the establishment” as she waits for the voting day.

“I am going to cast my vote based on the party’s conviction to patronage and unfettered access to resources for creative freedom,” said Hebilkar.