The Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IIT Hyderabad) has officially inaugurated a new Centre for Creative Arts (CCA), marking a significant step in blending artistic creativity with scientific and technical education. The launch was announced on Thursday, January 1.
Formalizing a Decade-Long Journey
This initiative is not entirely new but formalizes an existing commitment. Creative and liberal arts have been woven into IIT Hyderabad's academic fabric for over a decade. The structured journey began in 2014 with heritage tours for first-year students, later evolving into full-fledged credited courses. Today, nearly 10 per cent of the undergraduate curriculum includes components from liberal and creative arts, spanning photography, fine arts, performing arts, and crafts.
Academic Structure and Research Focus
Operating within the Department of Liberal Arts, the CCA will offer one to three credit courses in creative and performing arts for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. A key feature is the appointment of performing artists as adjunct faculty and distinguished professors.
The centre plans to launch Artist-in-Residence programmes to foster sustained interaction between students and practitioners. It will also actively promote research in the arts, including doctoral studies. In a unique move, visiting artists may serve as co-supervisors for research scholars, bridging practice-based knowledge with academic rigor.
Expanding Reach Beyond Campus
The vision for the CCA extends beyond IIT Hyderabad's student body. The centre will conduct outreach programmes for school students and art teachers, aiming to encourage early exposure to diverse art forms and strengthen community ties. Collaborations with cultural organisations like SPIC MACAY are also on the agenda to support campus activities.
Announcing the launch, Prof B S Murty, Director of IIT Hyderabad, stated that the centre aligns with the institute's philosophy of merging creativity, culture, and technology in higher education. Dr Aalok Khandekar, Head of the Department of Liberal Arts, added that the CCA would expand existing programmes and catalyze new courses and research partnerships.
