THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, AUGUST 5, 2026
The National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) and the Odisha
government have initiated discussions on establishing the NGMA Regional Eastern
Centre in Bhubaneswar, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to
developing a world-class institution dedicated to modern and contemporary
Indian art in the eastern region.
The roadmap for the proposed Regional Eastern Centre was
discussed during a meeting between Director General of the National Gallery of
Modern Art, Ministry of Culture, Government of India, Dr. Sanjeev Kishor
Goutam, and the Chief Secretary of the Government of Odisha, Anu Garg.
According to officials, the meeting focused on strengthening
collaboration between the Government of Odisha and the National Gallery of
Modern Art for setting up the regional centre, which is envisioned as a premier
cultural institution for the promotion, preservation and dissemination of
modern and contemporary Indian art while celebrating the rich artistic heritage
of Odisha.
The two sides deliberated on key issues, including the
identification and allocation of suitable land for the permanent campus of the
Regional Eastern Centre, provision of temporary premises to facilitate the immediate
commencement of NGMA's activities in Odisha, and the development of museum
infrastructure in line with international standards.
Discussions also covered the formulation of a long-term
vision for the institution encompassing exhibitions, education, conservation,
research, outreach programmes and public engagement, aimed at making the centre
a vibrant cultural destination.
Officials said the proposed Regional Eastern Centre is
expected to serve as a dynamic hub for artists, scholars, students and art
enthusiasts. Besides showcasing Odisha's rich artistic legacy alongside modern
and contemporary Indian art, the institution will facilitate collaborations
with museums, educational institutions, cultural organisations and creative
practitioners across the eastern region.
The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of the
Government of Odisha and the National Gallery of Modern Art towards
strengthening India's cultural ecosystem and positioning Odisha as an important
destination for visual arts and museum excellence.
On the occasion, Dr. Goutam expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister of Odisha for his visionary support and commitment towards strengthening the state's cultural infrastructure. He also thanked the Union Minister of Culture for continued guidance and encouragement in advancing the establishment of the NGMA Regional Eastern Centre in Odisha as a landmark national cultural institution.
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both sides expressing confidence that close coordination between the state government and the National Gallery of Modern Art would facilitate the early operationalisation of the Regional Eastern Centre, which is expected to make a significant contribution to India's cultural landscape.
