KOCHI: The Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) will extend financial support towards the restoration of sculptures at the Subhash Park, located in the heart of the city. The CSL will give Rs 20 lakh, the estimated budget for the restoration work, which includes procuring materials for the sculptures, making logistic arrangements for the artists, holding a 10-day camp for them, landscaping and lighting.
Lack of repair, maintenance and proper management has resulted in the deterioration of the sculptures. Though the park underwent major renovation in 2015, the sculptures and installations on the southern part of the park were not repaired. These include the works of 14 artists who participated in the first International Symposium of Sculptors held at the park in 1990. The sculptors include the likes of Hiroshi Mikami, Ashokan Poduval, Raghav Kaneria, Gerard Howelers, Fred Conlon, C S Jayaram, and Sarbari Roy Choudhary among others.
Currently, the Centre for Heritage, Environment and Development under the Municipal Corporation is responsible for the maintenance of the park. As per the new proposal, the conservation process is slated to begin by February 2018.
The plan includes organising a mini art camp, in which artists can restore their works that are damaged. The original artists who created the sculptures will be roped in along with national and local artists.
A supervisor or conservator will also be appointed for monitoring the revival process. A handbook of these sculptures will also be prepared as part of the restoration work.