Hyderabad’s canvas of creativity expands and spreads to Izzatnagar, Kothaguda with Gallery 78, which opened on March 11. The launch of the open and integrative space for creative practitioners of different art forms gets underway with an art festival ‘Confetti 2018’.
Located in a colony surrounded by apartments, the cultural space looks like a residential building until you enter the gate. This gallery is the brainchild of Ch Sreenivas, who has been into photography for more than 25 years, specialising in advertisements, corporate, industrial and fashion photography. The art lover says,“I always wanted to live and and work from here. While we were planning that, we got extra space which I wanted to use for something related to art. I didn’t want to make it a commercial space,” adding that living in an art space is a luxury which few can afford.
While the project was conceptualised by Sreenivas six years ago, he shared his ideas with architect Sudhir Reddy and roped him in to design it accordingly.
The interiors of the multi-storeyed complex with various levels are tastefully done. The complex includes different corridors that integrate different art practices. The space looks beautifully serene, subtle and classy, with half-white and grey colours. The cultural space will provide space for art, photography, workshops, music sessions, sculpture and film screenings. However, Sreenivas makes it clear that it is a premium place for serious enthusiasts.
The location is an advantage. “If it is on the main road, there would have been parking issues. Since we don’t want to make it very commercial, it suits our requirements. It is quiet and people can indulge in their endeavour; the space can handle 50 to 70 people. We do not want to increase the number. ”
A case for cultural spaces
Rahul Reddy of Octopus who is promoting the project believes the city needs more such cultural spaces. “It definitely boosts the art culture among people. In Hyderabad, we have fewer cultural spaces when compared to other cities in the world, say Berlin and Istanbul. We need a lot more spaces, galleries and performance arenas. When we have more properties like this, we will have more shows. When there is more demand, the supply also increases.”
Sharing his experiences, he says, “Ever since I posted and mailed people about the event, there have been many enquiries. There is curiosity about this new venture and as to what kind of activities can be organised. We received a few requests even before the launch but we wanted to keep everything on hold until the inauguration.”
Rahul emphasises that the collaborative space is not for the masses. “Sreenivas envisioned this as a space to be effectively used by a community. He wants to have that vibe in this creative space so that it creates a positive energy. We want to keep it pure so that it reaches the right kind of people for their usage.” Plans are on to make Confetti an annual festival. “There is also the concern that people who make use of the space handle it the right way. Every corner has been created patiently and with so much care.”
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