New Delhi, 11th July: New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), Chairman – Shri Keshav Chandra and Vice Chairman – Shri Kuljeet Singh Chahal inaugurated “SRIJAN” – An Open-Air Art Gallery at Nehru Park, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, today.
Shri Rameshwar Broota, eminent artist, Padma Shri Biman Bihari Das. (Sculptor), Padma Shri, Jai Prakash Lakhiwal (Artist) and Shri Harsh Vardhan Sharma, Advisor (Art & Culture), NDMC were present of the occasion.
(Photo: Hamid Ali
The key highlight of the event was the live painting sessions by Padma awardees and celebrated artists, which offered the public a rare opportunity to witness the artistic process in real-time. He added that the gallery also features an impressive collection of artworks available for public viewing and direct purchase by acclaimed artists such as Praveen Upadhye, Kalicharan Gupta, Sanjay Bhattacharyya, Jai Zharotia, Sanjay Ashtapure, Anil Gaikwad, Shrikant Kadam, Sabai Khan, Anu Naik, M.D. Soleman, Rajesh Chand, Sanjib Gogai, Ravindra Salve, Manish Pushkle, Rohit Sharma, Kishore Roy, and others.
While addressing the gathering, Shri Keshav Chandra informed that “SRIJAN” – An Open-Air Art Gallery and Creative Platform is nestled amidst the lush greenery of Nehru Park, “Srijan” is not only an open-air art gallery but it is a creative haven, envisioned and curated by the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) for Art and Artists. This rejuvenated cultural space reflects the spirit of Viksit Bharat @ 2047 – India’s aspirational roadmap towards a progressive, inclusive, and culturally enriched future.
Shri Chandra further informed that originally established in 1999, Srijan has served as a vibrant gathering point for renowned artists, budding talent and art enthusiasts. Every Sunday, painters, sculptors, graphic artists, cartoonists, and photographers would come together to create, share and showcase their work in an atmosphere of creativity and collaboration.
Shri Chandra said that Srijan Artists’ Corner as a 172.50 sq. meter open-air art space, has now been transformed into the modernized ‘Srijan Art Gallery’, significantly expanded and upgraded with new amenities and enhanced
Photo: HAMID ALI
design features. The revamped gallery now includes a dedicated entry gate, curated Art Display Corner, landscaped gazebos, improved public seating arrangements, and an expanded open area of approximately 15,225 sq. meters, making it a spacious and inviting venue for artists and visitors alike.
Over the years, Srijan has hosted numerous paintings and sculpture exhibitions, workshops on pottery, sculpture and painting, as well as on-the-spot art events and drawing competitions amongst the school students for nurturing generations of artists, he added.
Shri Chandra stated that the newly refurbished Srijan Open Art Gallery now features an elegant, well-lit, shaded and weather-protected display area, making it an ideal venue for regular exhibitions, performances and creative engagements throughout the year. This artistic platform not only provides visibility to young and emerging artists but also brings the joy of art closer to the general public, creating opportunities for community participation and cultural exchange.
Vice Chairman – Shri Kuljeet Singh Chahal said that the mission of Srijan Art Gallery is to democratize access to art by bringing it into open, accessible spaces — moving the art experience beyond traditional museums and auditoriums. He emphasized that the gallery serves as a refreshing cultural retreat, with free public entry, artist-public interaction, and direct purchase of artworks.
Shri Chahal said that in line with the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji to build a culturally vibrant and developed India, NDMC has adopted a comprehensive action plan to promote art, culture, and heritage across its jurisdiction. He informed that a dedicated Art & Culture Department was established in May 2025, with a budget allocation of ₹40 crore, approximately 1% of NDMC’s annual expenditure.
Shri Chahal said that to provide institutional support to these cultural efforts, NDMC has constituted an Urban Arts and Culture Forum through a formal Council Resolution. He stated that the forum is tasked with driving NDMC’s artistic and cultural agenda through strategic outreach, curated programs, and policy execution.
NDMC recognizes that art and culture play a vital role in enriching urban life, particularly in the fast-paced environment of metropolitan cities, where daily stress and busy routines often distance people from creative expression. In line with its statutory mandate under Section 12 of the NDMC Act, 1994, the Council remains committed to promoting and preserving art and culture – not confined within museums or auditoriums, but brought out into open, accessible spaces where people from all walks of life can engage and participate.
To further this vision, NDMC has embarked on a comprehensive cultural initiative aligned with Viksit Bharat@2047, aimed at transforming New Delhi into a vibrant epicentre of artistic excellence and cultural expression. The initiative encompasses: Installation of public art in open spaces, International Sculpture Symposiums, National Painting Symposiums and Exhibitions and a dynamic NDMC Cultural Calendar featuring diverse performing and visual arts programme.
Through these efforts, NDMC aspires to celebrate and showcase India’s rich artistic traditions while fostering innovation, inclusivity, and community engagement—making New Delhi not just the capital of the nation but also a beacon of creativity and culture for the world to admire.
