Madras Art Guild (MAG), the public art initiative announced the inauguration of its month long, second edition today. MAG 2020 encourages creative explorations around the theme of “sustainability”, through partnerships with leading institutions and notable individuals fromthe city’s artistic community. Collaborators this year include National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT, Chennai), Chennai Photo Biennale Foundation, Cholamandal Artists’ Village, Government College of Fine Arts (Kumbakonam), Govt. College of Fine Arts Chennai (Alumni), and the International Foundation for the Arts. VR Chennai is the venue partner and the soon-to-be launched Madras House is the presenting partner for MAG 2020. The festival is also supported by NEXA, Byjus and the Murugappa Group.The festival was inaugurated this evening at VR Chennai, Anna Nagar by Mrs. Karin Stoll, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Chennai.

The launch commenced with the unveiling of the traditional VR Art Car, painted this year by the renowned artist and documentary filmmaker, Gita Hudson, followed by an exclusive viewing of works by senior artists includingBenithaPerciyal, SeemaKohli, Parvathi Nair, Michael Wegener, YuvanBothysathuvar and Vijay Pichumani at the Fine Art Room, Madras House, and culminated with “Wearable Art” - a Fashion Show by NIFT at the Pandya Court. Following the launch, visitors will enjoy a dedicated month ofartistic immersion during which VR Chennai, the venue partner will be a hub of artistic activity, with installations, exhibitions, an art bazaar, art cinema screenings, art workshops, a children’s art competition and several other exciting events.

Sumi Gupta, Curator of MAG, said, “I am thrilled to steer this fantastic project which has incredible collaborations with institutions and student artists in Chennai, creating a vibrant platform for large- scale installations & sculptures. MAG 2020 brings together a community of connoisseurs, artstudents, patrons as well as the people of Chennai in a celebration of the city’s art and culture.”

Mrs. Karin Stoll, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Chennai said, “I feel very honoured to attend this excitingevent tonight. Thank you very much for inviting me!

Madras Art Guild has put together a marvelous collection of artwork by renowned artists - congratulations!There is more: I have seen the art car and I amlooking forward to see the Wearable Art - Fashion show.

What is my link to this event at VR Chennai?

Firstly, Ihavebeenaskedbymydeputy,Mr.Wegener who is an artist himself and is represented in this exhibition with some pictures. This makes me very proud.

Secondly, I used to paint myself but I realized very soon that I was not good enough to make it to theart academy.

I decided to study history of art instead - besides political science. Thus my natural inclination to fine arts is still alive.And: I must say that as a Consul General in Chennai I am very privileged to experience culture, old and new, almost every day. From Dravidian temples to street art - it’samazing!

Thirdly, this year’s theme is sustainability and sustainability is not only close to my heart. I can say that many of our Indo German cooperation projects in India and Tamil Nadu support the objective of sustainability! Examples here in Chennai are the water sector or publictransport.

Fourth and mv last point:,it is of utmostimportance that. Besides government and non-governmental also industry, business and shopping malls are providing spaces for educational purposes and projects like this.

We all are responsible for public welfare; we are part of the society. That is why I would like to congratulate the artists, VR Chennai, MAG and all other project partners for their initiative and commitment.”

MAG is supported by YujKutumb, The Yog Foundation, and is also part of VR Chennai’s Connecting Communities© initiative that aims to encourage civic pride, strengthen the local economy andenhance the city’s national and international image.