Kerala Folklore Academy announces plans to promote traditional art forms

The Kerala Folklore Academy has announced a series of initiatives to promote traditional art forms, preserve indigineous cultural heritage, and expand folklore activities across the State.

Addressing the media, Kerala Folklore Academy Chairman Suresh Babu Elayavoor said the plans include installing a statue of Thunchath Ezhuthachan on the academy premises and completing the Kalabhavan Mani memorial building at Chalakudy in Thrissur district.

He said the academy would affiliate with residents associations across Keralam to expand folklore activities and revive the publication of its quarterly magazine Poli and folklore books. Steps will also be taken to expand the academy’s library and bring properties and artefacts proposed for inclusion in various locations under the academy’s ambit.

The academy will hold consultations with experts on the possibility of establishing a folklore university in the State. Weekly folk art performances will be organised at Cherusseri auditorium on the academy premises. Craft workshops featuring artists from across the country will be conducted.

Mr. Elayavoor said the academy, in association with the National Institute of Fashion Technology, would organise textile printing workshops using traditional natural dyes from villages across the country, with the participation of various handloom units.

Vice-Chairman Sreeraman Koyyon said the institution would organise week-long workshops in all districts to promote tribal and indigenous art forms and artistes. The programmes will focus on tribal arts, indegnous healing practices, traditional food, and crafts.

School folklore clubs will provide opportunities for students to learn and experience tribal art forms in their authentic traditional forms, he said. Mr. Koyyon said the academy also plans to make the Travancore Folk Village at Vellavoor in Kottayam fully operational. The centre will showcase folk art traditions from different Indian States while facilitating performances of Travancore’s traditional art forms in other parts of the country.