India’s performing artists are a true embodiment of her ideals, yet they have never received adequate institutional support. In India, performing arts are wide and varied stretching from ancient dance and music to modern theatre.

Even before the pandemic institutional support for performing arts artists and organisations was grossly limited to nationally recognised institutions and niche arts. Beyond performance artists, the arts also support a varied group of artisans, craftspersons and technical staff who are in ever deeper waters; while many artists have subsisted on online platforms because of the pandemic, alternate employment—which is nonexistent— is the only choice for the supporting industries and staff.

While performing artists have contributed stellar performances for raising funds for covid relief, disaster relief and such, the government slashed its arts and culture budget by 21% in its 2020 mid year revision. In stark contrast, countries such as Germany have announced huge budgets (€2.5 billion for Germany) for the revival of pandemic stricken culture institutions. 

We at Itisaras, hence start this petition to urge the Ministry of Culture, Government of India headed by Shri Prahlad Singh Patel, Minister of State to take initiative and introduce schemes to assist the people engaged in performing arts. The schemes must provide financial assistance and conducive platforms for the arts as well as supporting the art in these dire times.

Support Performing Arts by signing this petition.