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Introduction

A group of eight artists and professionals from several countries took part in this study tour of Punjab during March 1978. The tour was organised by Friends of Punjab, London and was hosted by the Punjab Government.

Friends of Punjab, a non‑profit making organisation concerned with cultural relations between Punjab and other countries, was planning to organise an international sculpture symposium in Punjab. This symposium was scheduled to be held in February/March 1978, and most members of this study group were to accompany the sculptors as part of the supporting team. However, as the Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs in Punjab did not complete the preliminary arrangements in time, the symposium was postponed. Nevertheless, the study tour was carried out as planned. Maryla Podarewska‑Jakubowska, architect from Warsaw, headed the group.

AIMS

This tour was designed to gain a basic knowledge of folk art, crafts, and folk architecture of the Punjab, as seen from the diverse backgrounds of each group members.

Apart from preparatory works for the Sculptural Symposium, first‑hand knowledge was needed to study the feasibility of other longer term projects such as the setting up of a Folk Art Centre at the symposium site.

It was also necessary to introduce our ideas to the Punjabi people and gauge their response as well as have their co‑operation in bringing our future projects to fruition.

Looking at the negative influence of technology on the folk arts and crafts in the West, we wanted to see the effects of growing technology on daily life and folk art in Punjab.

ORGANISATION

After the postponement of the symposium in January, Friends of Punjab decided nevertheless to carry out the study tour as planned. In February, Avtarjeet Dhanjal and Maryla Podarewska‑Jakubowska left for Punjab to present the study tour programme to the Punjab Government and to make the necessary arrangements for the arrival of other members of the group.

PUNJAB GOVERNMENT

In Chandigarh, the matter was discussed with Miss Ravnit Kaur, Director, Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs and Mr. Manmohan Singh, Secretary to the Government of Punjab, Department of Public Relations. Miss Ravnit Kaur agreed to receive the group as guests of her department. Mr. Manmohn Singh offered the transport facilities throughout Punjab.

Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, the Punjab Government Minister, approved the necessary funds for the tour.

In addition, both departments provided necessary assistance and guidance during the tour The Chief Town and Country Planner of Punjab introduced the group to various town planners, while several other professionals and officials co‑operated with the group on the tour.

PEOPLE OF PUNJAB

The group also enjoyed the hospitality of the people of the village of Dalla in the District ‘of Ludhiana, where they were the guests of the whole village for three days.

In the district of Jullunder, Chowdhary Kishan Singh of Khatkar Kalan and S. Avtar Singh Jaildar of the village of Kariha hosted the group for two days.

At Patti, the District of Amritsar, a Punjabi poet, Nirmal Arpan was host to the group for one day.

IN LONDON

Friends of Punjab, with the help of the Indian Workers Association, Southall, covered the air tickets of Maryla Poclarewska‑Jakubowska and Avtarjeet Dhanjal. It also paid for the organisational, living and travelling expenses, etc., before and after the tour itself.

The other members of the group paid their own fares and the cost of the documenting material used during the tour.

OF THE TOUR

Members of the tour came from different countries and professional backgrounds. None of the members was a specialist on folk art, but through their experiences in their own countries they had evolved a profound appreciation of the fundamental role it plays in every culture.

Originally, there were two more members involved. Unfortunately, these members, Eva Kuryluk, an Austrian Art Historian, and Paul Overy, the chief art critic of ‘The Times’ London, were not able to join the group due to financial difficulties encountered at the last minute by the Indian community of Southall who were supporting Friends of Punjab.

The following members participated in the group:

Maryla Poclarewska‑Jakubowska Group Leader:

Architect from Warsaw, Poland. Studied architecture at the University of Warsaw. Member of similar tours in Poland and Egypt. Working on the thesis: ‘Social Context of Museums and Art Centres’.

Marek Jakubowski

Architect and Town Planner from Warsaw. Studied and taught at the University of Warsaw. Organised similar tours in Poland, Egypt and Sudan.

Elisabeth Ledward

Film maker from London. Studied art history at the University of London. Made and worked on several films connected with art.

Lachlan Munro

Designer from Glasgow, Scotland. Studied in Glasgow. Research study on Environmental Psychology.

Libuse Taylor

Czech photographer living in London. Working on Arts Council Grant on the theme of ‘Penetration of Eastern Religions into Britain‘.

Vallie S. Weingarten

Sociologist from USA. Studied sociology at the University of Texas.

Hiroshi Mikami

Sculptor from Kyoto, Japan. Studied sculpture in Kyoto and London. Participated in several international sculpture sympoisums.

Avtarjeet S. Dhanjal

Study tour organiser

Sculptor from Punjab, India. Exhibited in India, Africa and England. Works in the Collection at Chandigarh Museum, Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi, and University of Warwick.

 Posted on: Sunday, February 24, 2008 at 10:36 pm
 Study Tour.
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