Kochi, Sunday 31 May 2009: Private participation in promotion of art will be encouraged. A derelict colonial construction was converted to a quality art centre in association with the cgh earth group at Mattanchery recently. Similarly, a new art gallery is being planned at Wagamon with private participation, said, Kerala Culture and Education Minister M.A. Baby.

He was speaking at the presentation ceremony of the 38th State Awards of Kerala Lalithakala Akademi and inauguration of the State Exhibition 2009.

There should be a change in the art culture. As in Western countries, entry fees should be in place for art shows. Similarly, investment in art should be promoted, Kerala Culture and Education Minister said.

In his address, Union Minister of State for Agriculture K.V. Thomas said that funds would not be an issue for the construction of the proposed Centre for Arts Reference.