Shillong, Nov 14: In a befitting celebration of Children’s Day on November 14, the inauguration of the much-awaited Shillong International Centre for Performing Arts & Culture (SICPAC) under the Department of Arts & Culture (DAC), at Mawkasiang, saw maximum participation of school students.
The speakers highlighted about the Children’s Day and appreciated the large participation of school students at the event.
1739 capacity angelic
Chief Secretary DP Wahlang reminded the audience about the capacity of 1739 seats in the auditorium, an ‘Angel number’ indicating that God will always gives every one a chance to change and take a path that will bring blessings.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma inaugurated the SICPAC.
An official statement said that this kind of infrastructure with such a huge seating capacity is the first of its kind in Meghalaya.
With the SICPAC, it’s a dream-come true for all the artists and art enthusiasts of Meghalaya, the statement said.
SICPAC project boasts of an iconic RCC framed structure and the building cluster consisting of different theatres and auditoria halls, like a Multipurpose Theatre with a capacity of 1739 seats, a Little Theatre with 302 seats, a Black Box Theatre with 574 seats, and an Open-Air Theatre with a standing capacity of 15,000 people, all connected through a central block surrounded with water bodies. The composite structure is aesthetically placed on the hill slopes of Shillong overlooking a valley.
The iconic structure has been built at a total cost of Rs 151.33 crore with fund support of Rs 136.20 crore from Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR)- (approved by M/O DoNER, Govt. of India) and Rs 15.13 crore from the state.
Addressing the occasion, Conrad said, “The Shillong International Centre for Performing Arts & Culture will set a new benchmark as an infrastructure platform for Performing Arts in the national and international arena. The facility will serve as the venue for mega cultural events in the domains of dance, theatre, and music and also host film festivals and particularly showcase art and crafts from the Northeastern region. As an International Convention Centre with state-of-the-art amenities, the facility will offer an employable skill development course in art, music, films, television, and multimedia disciplines for the youth of Meghalaya as well as other North-eastern states. A small museum at this facility showcasing the state’s art and craft would be an added tourist attraction.”
The North Eastern Council(NEC) secretary Moses Chalai urged the people to make use of the facilities as they are sophisticated.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong said it is a different experience at SICPAC compared to any other facility for visual arts in Meghalaya or the Northeast.
Among others who were present at the inaugural function were Minister of Arts & Culture Sanbor Shullai and Commissioner & Secretary, Arts & Culture department Frederick Roy Kharkongor.
The prominent performers on the occasion were Shillong Chamber Choir, Nokpante, Summersalt, Magnificent Seven, Light After Darkness, Pynter Orchestra among others
A few of the available utilities at SICPAC include a contemporary Art Gallery, a Sky Theatre, a Special Exhibitions Space, a VIP Enclosure Area, an Auditorium Hall with a rotating stage, a VIP Banquet Hall, a VIP Lounge, a VIP Restroom, automated elevators, a Tribal Museum, a Media Centre, Television & AV Studio, a Library, a Food Court and administrative workspace.
Meghalaya Government Construction Corporation Ltd was appointed as PMC (Project Management Consultant) and M/s. Hindustan Steelworks Construction Ltd (A Govt. of India Undertaking), M/S NCC Limited and M/s Skematic Consultants were stakeholders towards completion of the project.
Main photo caption: Shillong Chamber Choir performs on the occasion ( photo MM)
