Man is naturally a creative being. But this creative faculty varies from man to man. A simple piece of stone can be conferred a meaningful and gracious significance by a skillful artistic hand. Now, in order to be a genius, a creative mind almost inevitably needs to come in contact with a “GURU” (teacher). And herein lies the obvious relevance of an ideal institution with its equally efficient faculty members to promote art and culture in young minds and lend stability to social life.
India, our motherland is never sick in producing talents. Infact, in many cases proper ambience and patronage had facilitated the flourishment and exploration of various styles of paintings, music and dance, which were potent enough to outlive time. Today they crown our golden heritage and tradition.
Now it is true that more than once, political unrest, social instability had delivered a heavy blow to our mental serenity and sense of beauty; two sin qua non of creative expression. Especially in these days when one have little time to look within, it seems that we have begun to do away with our tradition and heritage. But none can thrive denying one’s own roots.
In this present scenario of unrest and uncertainity -- establishment of an institution with active agents, committed to the promotion of art is not only a social requirement but also a psychological demand of the insecure minds of the modern age.
With a view to generate a new idea in education, Rabindranath Tagore founded Visva-Bharati at Santiniketan in 20th century. Kala Bhavana, a college of art was invariably introduced alongwith other faculties.
In the post independent period Rabindra Bharati University was founded by the Government of West Bengal in memory of Rabindranath Tagore at his residence at Jorasanko for the upliftment of visual and performing arts. Indian society of Oriental Art, Academy of Fine Arts. Birla Academy of Art & Culture, West Bengal State Academy of Dance Drama Music and Visual Arts, Rajya Charukala Parsad and such other art societies have been conducting various activities for the promotion of art since their inception. Cultivation of art in our country resumed in late 19th and early 20th century. A few schools and art societies were established in Kolkata and elsewhere. But unfortunately social and political consciousness needed for the exploration of art and artists has remained inadequate till today.
In our state, an air of ignorance seems to hover over society in this regard. Demand is always high while resources are meagre. However, in 1979, defying all handicaps Bengal Fine Arts College came into existence. Since inception numbers of activities, i.e. Art Development Project, Art Education Project, Art Exhibitions, Seminars, Workshops etc. have been organised by the institution. The degree college run by the institution got affiliated to Indira Kala Sangit Vishwavidyalaya in the year 1998. From the session 1998-99 B.F.A. (Bachelor of Fine Arts) - 4-year degree course (Painting and Sculpture) had been introduced.
It has been a journey of aspiration, endeavour and achievement since then. The details following, will only corroborate the view and prove that there is indeed no derth of sincerity and commitment and that only monetary accessibility can make the process much less cumbersome for those who bear the throes smilingly.
The main objects of this institution are to serve the educationally and culturally backward people and to uplift them by imparting education and adequate training; to manage and maintain schools and colleges for teaching in visual arts (graphic & plastic) and performing arts (music, dance & drama), along with vocational training; to organise seminars, conferences, performances, exhibitions in the field of visual and performing arts including traditional art and culture; to grant recognition to scholars, performers in various art media, for their outstanding achievements through awards/certificate of honour etc.; to foster and develop folk art and music as well as to encourage the folk artists; to establish, manage and maintain departments or centres for art-medium child centric elementary education / non-formal education; to organise, manage and maintain separate groups for organising exhibitions in India and abroad for the promotion of Indian culture; to publish books and periodicals etc. and to organise meetings, seminars, symposiums workshops, conferences, performances, competitions, exhibitions and training etc. in the field of visual and performing arts including traditional art with a view to encourage the cultivation of art and culture in general schools and colleges.