The Art Gallery of the Lalitha Kala Academy of The Govt. of Kerala was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Minsiter for State for Civil Avaition Shri.K.C.Venugopal at Cochin International Airport. Speaking on the occasion he congratulated the Lalitha Kala academy in this novel venture. He specially mentioned and hailed the efforts of CIAL M.D. Shri.V.J.Kurian IAS in enabling to open the art gallery, which he said is a bold step even though some people may think art and airport not related. However, as the Gateway to Kerala, it is only befitting that CIAL the Culture of Kerala, of which art is an integral part be given its due importance. In other countries art galleries are places of tourism and this will go a long way he said. He also hinted that similar art galleries also could be set up in other airports of Kerala, following the model given by CIAL.
After the formal function, the Minister along with other dignitaries went upto the Gallery where the Minister inaugurated the art gallery and went around the entire gallery. What stunned all the dignitaries as well as the public was the wall painting which many mistook as flex or photo. This was a wall painting done by the artists of the lalitha Kala Academy who toiled for 3 days.
The turn out of the public and well wishers of the art was to be specially mentioned as a no. of artists of the Lalitha Kala Academy graced the occasions and their family members and well wishers filled the hall overwhelmingly. Shri.K. P Dhanapalan, M.P. Chief Guest of the day delivered the key Note Address and Shri.Anwar Sadath MLA presided over the function wherein Eldhose Kunnappilly and M.P. K.P. Dhanapalan performed the sale of 1st art piece to CIAL M.d., Shri.V.J. Kurian IAS. Airport Director Shri. A.C.K. Nair was also present. Academy Chairman Shri.K.A. Francis and Secrertary Sreemoolanagaram Mohan were the force behind the entire event.