Lucknow :

The UP culture department has undertaken a cultural mapping of its tangible and non-tangible heritage. In this a district-wise detailed inventory of music, dance, monuments and handicrafts would be prepared.

Anita Meshram, secretary culture, on Thursday said, “Cultural mapping will help in framing better policies to conserve the richness of heritage UP has.” Letters have been sent to the district magistrates to start the work at their level, she added.

A committee of officials and experts has also been formed at the state level for this work. The department has also prepared a directory of artists across UP which has the details of artists representing 30 forms in four areas namely theatre, songs, dance and music.

In another development, to associate children and youth with the State Museum, the culture department will organise free excursions at Lucknow, Mathura and Gorakhpur museums. Different activities will also be organised for the two groups to make the experience memorable. “We are in the process of tying up with the school,” she said.

* Artists to share experience with Gen Y: In a first, budding artists of UP will get guidance from culture custodians like Pandit Birju Maharaj, Nalani Kamalni, Muzaffar Ali among others. The department has planned a lecture-demonstration series for this.

* Resource centre at state archives: This would ease the process of spade work for any kind of research. The state archives will also start a series of theme exhibitions. “We have lot of material which may be divided into sectors like health, education, 1857, freedom struggle etc.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Lucknow / TNN / June 19th, 2015