The Zonal Cultural Centers were conceived and set up as cultural distribution networks between 1985 to 1987 in order to promote, develop and link the various art from with people living in urban, rural and tribal areas of India. These Centers are intended to become cultural organizations not limited to performances in closed auditoria for limited audiences, but to outgrow into centers with people of India as audience and thousands of folk artists, craftsmen at grass root level as performers.

West Zone Cultural Centre (WZCC)  was the first centre to set up the ” Shilpgram – A Craft Village “, in Udaipur. There are 31 huts representing architecture, traditional arts and culture depicting the enormous diversity and aesthetic sense of the state of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Goa  which comprise the Western Zone of India.

Apart from organizing a chain of cultural programs in urban as well as remote rural areas of west zone, “Shilpgram Utsav” is organized in Shilpgram, Udaipur in the last week of December month every year. This 10 days event is watched by half a million people, in which more than 650 artisans, craftsmen and performing artists participate from all over the country.

The headquarters of the WZCC is located in the historical Bagore-Ki-Haveli which is a huge mansion comprising of 138 rooms built in the 18th Century by the Prime Minister of Royal Mewar Dynasty. The Haveli has a typical architectural style with exquisite glass inlay work and paintings. After 5 years of strenuous restoration work a Museum has been set up in Bagore Ki Haveli to depict the royal life style, architecture and cultural ethos carefully conserved to its pristine glory.

The Zonal Cultural Centers were conceived and set up in mid 1980’s to promote, develop and link the various art forms practiced by people living in urban, rural and tribal areas of India. These Centres are intended to become cultural organizations ever expanding its boundaries beyond physical space and time. These Centres are indeed facilitating enriching of our art and cultural legacy, ever diversifying and linking generations to pass our cultural heritage.

West Zone Cultural Centre (WZCC) was the first Center to set up the Shilpgram – a Craft Village, in Udaipur in 1989. There are 31 huts representing architecture, traditional arts and culture depicting the enormous diversity and aesthetics of the State of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Goa which comprise the Western Zone of India.

I strongly believe that man’s soul is the architect of history and that culture is the manifestation of man’s soul & reflection of human identity. It is unbounded and recognizes no constraints. Art and culture transcends all human boundaries. It is a gift of almost inexplicable, magical energy.

Art and culture is the domain of the dialogue between civilizations and nations; it can speak in a loud and penetrating voice. Art is most often seen as pleasing the eye – creating beauty. Yet the idea of beauty, like that of truth, is most challenging in the present day. If something moves you to an understanding, somehow unreachable for you, by the common paths of words and reason, it’s Art for you. Art is not for the sake of anything… each artwork and craft in its own right depicts the image of the soul of the artist and the society at large. Art is a human activity, which has as its purpose the transmission to others of the highest and best feelings to which men have risen.

Contemporary art has become more global in nature and we want to find a way to integrate it into daily life. We can’t really understand our times until we look back and so we need artists to help us look ahead. The real challenge for art and culture is to link a common man. Art and craft as a medium of self-expression is the way to smart living enriching people’s minds and lives. When our hearts, through our senses, are touched by art, our lives are enhanced.

Apart from organizing a chain of cultural programs in urban as well as remote rural areas of West India, “Shilpgram Utsav” is organized in Shilpgram Udaipur in the last week of December every year. This cultural regalia is ten days event is much awaited by half a million people in which more than 650 artisans, craftsmen and performing artists participate from all over the country.

The headquarters of the WZCC is located in the historical ‘Bagore-Ki-Haveli’ which is a huge mansion comprising of 138 rooms built in the 18th Century by the Prime Minister of Royal Mewar Dynasty. The Haveli has a typical architectural style with exquisite glass inlay work and paintings. After 5 years of strenuous restoration work, a Museum has been set up in Bagore Ki Haveli to depict the royal lifestyle, architecture and cultural ethos carefully conserved to its pristine glory.

Mr. Mohd. Furqan Khan ( Additional Charge)