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In
the fire tragedy in Guruvayur temple which shocked the devotees in 1970,
the ancient mural paintings on the three walls of the Sreekovil were
damaged. But
only a few artists were then available, with training in this
traditional temple art form, to do the renovation. The authorities gave serious thought to
the preservation of this art form and decided to setup an Institute of Mural Painting in July 1989.
 The
institute of Mural painting at Kizhakke Nada functions in the
traditional Gurukula system. Apart from the training in mural painting, Art
history, Aesthetics, Sanskrit, Silpa texts, Dhyanasloka etc. are also
taught. Periodical exhibition of paintings, camps,
workshops, seminars, discussions and study tours also form a part of the
curriculum. Many artists who had passed out from this institute have won
international and national level recognition.
The
first Principal of the Institute was the famous Shri. Mammiyur Krishnan
Kutty Nair. After his death, Shri. M.K. Sreenivasan succeeded him. Now
Shri. K.U Krishnakumar is the Principal and Chief Instructor of the
Institute. The Institute is now taking up commissioned works and is
involved in selling of mural paintings keeping the rules and regulations
of Guruvayur Devaswom.
About
the course
The
five year National Diploma Course offers training in Fine arts for the
first 2 years as a preparatory course. Specialised coaching will be
given on traditional Kerala mural paintings for the last 3 years. The
minimum qualification is a pass in the 10th standard. The candidates should pass the
aptitude test and interview. The admission to each batch is restricted
to 10 students. The selected candidates will get free hostel and food
facilities and all of them will have a scholarship.
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