UNICEF opens art gallery

The Hindu, September 15, 2007

“Initiative is out-of-box thinking”

BHOPAL: The UNICEF office for Madhya Pradesh has taken the initiative to create an art-cum-photography gallery at its Bhopal premises to promote art and photography for social change.

The State Principal Secretary for Women and Child Development, Prashant Mehta, inaugurated the Art Gallery at the UNICEF office here on Thursday by declaring open an exhibition of photographic images by Prakash Hatvalne, a photo journalist.

Speaking on this occasion, Mr. Mehta observed, “this initiative is out-of-box thinking”. It is different and would bring UNICEF closer to society, he said, adding that the Gallery would provide a platform to artists to influence change in the larger interest of children and women.

Dr. Hamid El Bashir, State Representative at the UNICEF Office for Madhya Pradesh, said that through art we can challenge social stigmas and barriers. He said the idea was to involve artists in building a vision for a more egalitarian society.

Mr. Hatvalne has worked for more than two decades with national and international media. His exhibition at the UNICEF office includes collection of photographs depicting the Ramanami sect, and his work among children and women, especially tribals. His photographs will be on display up to September 22.