Tamil Nadu’s third government fine arts college comes up in Madurai

In a bid to promote arts education in the Southern parts of Tamil Nadu, a Government Fine Arts College, in addition to similar government institutions in Chennai and Kumbakonam, has been opened in Madurai. 

As the existing two colleges were more than a century old there was always a need to open more government fine arts colleges.  

To adhere to the need of the students from Southern region and to provide opportunity to interested students, the plan for a third college in Madurai was envisaged long back, said M. Nallasivam, principal in-charge and lecturer, Madurai Government Fine Arts College.

 “As their plan have taken a shape in the form of a fine arts institution, the college here provides three courses – visual communication design, sculpting and painting. Each course accommodates 15 students and the admission for the current academic year (2025-26) is already over,” he added. 

As the other two colleges have textile design, ceramic design and print design courses in addition, Mr. Nallasivam said those would also be introduced in Madurai college in the following years.  

Also, due to the unavailability of a dedicated space for the college, they have occupied available rooms and facilities in the World Tamil Sangam, he noted. 

To enhance the facilities, they have earmarked a location near the World Tamil Sangam and upon the approval of the government construction works would be started, he added.  

Students who were already charged a very minimal yearly fees of ₹5,000 would also be entitled to receive scholarships and materials worth ₹2,000, he added.  

“To level up the institution and the syllabus to compete with world class art institutions, study tour across the country covering major temples, art galleries, heritage sites, would be organised,” he said.

He stressed that all the expenditure in relation to the study would be covered by the government.  

As renowned artists and lecturers from other institutions would carry out guest lectures, the students would be subjected to varied subjects related to the practice of art and modern-day developments in their field, he stated. 

Mr. Nallasivam said, for those who are willing to imbibe conventional art into latest technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), the subject experts’ sessions on AI would really be worthful.  

Unlike previous times, the modern world provides enormous opportunities to art students starting from engaging them in movies to creating arts for massive constructions, he observed.