HYDERABAD: After announcements were made two months ago calling artists to beautify the Hyderabad metro rail pillars, only 18 artists have so far enrolled for the ‘voluntary service’ given by the Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited.
With the programme ready to hit the throttle, artists are hopeful to have a wider audience reach and connect through their work on the allocated pillars even as they risk the rough vehicular movement and minimal remuneration paid to them.
At Jubilee Hills metro pillars, an artist along with two helpers has already begun his work of a a 5 ft wide and 12 ft tall painting of women walking with Bathukamma on their head. “I am excited to showcase my art to the people and it is exciting when passersby appreciate my work,” said Chiranjeevi Mali, a professional artist.
“An advertiser approached me and told not to damage his board as it is worth a lakh while my art is worth around Rs 2,000.”
The dismal number of artists who signed up from entire state for the beautification of the 2,500 plus pillars reflects that the reimbursement was considered to be less. “Many artists do not want to work because it is on the road. They think it to be below par of what they are worthy of,” observed another artist.
BN Rajeshwar, GM (Works), HMRL, said: “Considering that the artwork is more of a voluntary service as reimbursement is minimum, it is more to do with their contribution in depicting the cultural heritage of Telangana than the numbers.”