In a significant move to breathe new life into its iconic urban canvas, the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation has formally requested a substantial grant of Rs 5 crore from the state government. This funding is earmarked for the crucial restoration and ambitious expansion of the capital's celebrated Arteria wall paintings, many of which have succumbed to weathering and neglect over time.
Revival Plan for a Fading Urban Gallery
The Arteria project, first launched in 2015, was conceived as a transformative initiative to convert bare city walls into vibrant expressions of local culture, heritage, and daily life. The initial phases in 2015 and 2016 successfully created approximately 25 prominent murals across key locations. A third push in 2021 engaged around 20 graffiti artists, who added fresh artworks at sites like the Palayam underpass, Akkulam bypass at Kuzhivila Junction, St Joseph's School, and the Museum area.
However, corporation officials noted that the visual impact of several murals has dulled due to exposure to the elements and the passage of time, necessitating immediate preservation action. The new proposal is not merely about repair. Corporation secretary Jahamgeer S outlined a comprehensive revival strategy. A fresh list of walls will be prepared, and new artists will be onboarded. The civic body aims to kickstart implementation by April, pending the release of funds after state government clearance.
Beyond Restoration: A Broader Vision for Public Art
The corporation's blueprint extends beyond simple refurbishment. It envisages a collaborative effort with the tourism department to broaden the project's footprint. Future murals are planned for cultural hubs, educational institutions, and busy public arteries, aiming to weave art more deeply into the city's urban fabric. The proposal is anticipated to receive sanction by March.
Local artists have warmly welcomed this renewed commitment. Muralist Arpitha Nair, a past contributor to Arteria, emphasized that public art beautifies the city and fosters community identity. She believes the refreshed funding will sustain the joy and pride these artworks bring to daily commutes. Another artist, Rohit Sankar S, highlighted the opportunity for diverse voices, stating that projects like Arteria bridge Kerala's rich tradition of visual storytelling with contemporary expressions.
Arteria in the National Context
The concept of transforming urban walls into open-air galleries has gained momentum across India. Landmark projects like New Delhi's Lodhi Art District have turned residential areas into tourist-friendly art hubs with large-scale murals. Similarly, cities such as Bhubaneswar have executed extensive mural campaigns involving large artist teams to celebrate cultural events and civic life, setting a precedent that Thiruvananthapuram's Arteria project now seeks to follow and expand upon with its renewed vision and funding.
