PM announces studio theatre scheme
Performing arts groups in the country have got a much needed boost from the ministry of culture with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh announcing a studio theatre scheme for them in the capital on Friday.
The scheme is aimed at helping such groups to build “creative spaces for themselves” with the Centre footing the major share of the project cost.
The Prime Minister announced the scheme by virtue of holding the culture portfolio. With theatre groups often facing the problem of non-availability of space to either rehearse or perform, the scheme it is hoped will enable to build their creative spaces. Towards this end, the government under the scheme will be chipping in with up to 60 per cent of the project cost with a grant that can go up to `50 lakhs in the metros and `25 lakhs in other places if the performing groups contribute 40 per cent of the project cost.
The scheme seeks to address the long felt need by creative groups engaged in the performing arts to have their own space for their shows.
As the PM said in his message to the National School of Drama’s 13th Bharat Rang Mahotsav which began here today: “Resurrection of theatre activity urgently requires functional spaces that can develop as both rehearsal and performing spaces.... Under this scheme, the ministry of culture will provide generous support to theatre groups to address the problem of non-availability of performing spaces. This will give a much needed helping hand to our artistes and allow them to concentrate on creative expression.”
With the annual salary grants for artistes and gurus in the performing arts already increased, the government hopes that the studio scheme will help these groups attain substantial “economic independence” so that they are able to pursue their creative talents without over-dependence either on sponsors or the government.
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