The concept of Art-In-Industry dates back to 1943 when Tata Steel was one of the prize-donors of an exhibition and sale of art held in J. J. School of Art, Mumbai, wherein artists were invited to compete for prizes and scholarships. The aim even then was not to merely be able to sell the entries of the artists but also to bring their talent to the notice of leading industries and patrons of arts.

With similar intentions, Tata Steel along with Mrs. Supriya Banerjee of Galerie '88, Kolkata, have organised the 8th Art-In-Industry camp, from January 29 to February 01 ’05. The camp has brought in artists from all parts of India to Jamshedpur. The Camp was inaugurated by Mr. B. Muthuraman, Managing Director, Tata Steel in presence of Mr A N Singh, Deputy Managing Director (Corporate Services), Tata Steel, Mrs Sumathi Muthuraman, Mrs Supriya Banerjee and many senior officials of the Company today at the Tata Steel Archieves in the Centre for Excellence.

The camp will be open for public viewing from January 29 to February 1 ’05. After the camp is over an Exhibition-cum-Sale of the paintings will be organized at the Main Hall, Beldih Club at Jamshedpur on February 02 ’05 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

While speaking on the occasion, Mr. B. Muthuraman said the main purpose of organising this art camp is to promote young and talented artists from Jharkhand and the artist from other parts of the country as well. He also mentioned that creating wealth for its employees and the nation is not the only aim of Tata Steel. Just like a human being, it has also a wide spectrum of life. He urged upon the school children and citizens of Jamshedpur to visit the camp. He hoped that the camp will not only promote tribal art, but will also give the artists an opportunity to interact and observe the development and techniques of their contemporaries. During his speech Mr Muthuraman said that by 2007, Tata Steel would put up a classic art gallery in Jamshedpur to commemorate the centenary year of the Company.

According to Mr. A N Singh, “art and industry are complementary to each other. Art in partnership with industry gives the local artists a platform from where they can reach more people than they could otherwise”. He is also of the view that `art’ is the most truthful reflection of a nation’s
ethos and history and is able to showcase its achievements and shortcomings, its life and growth. He felt that by creating a support system for local artists, talent would bloom and finally put Jharkhand on the cultural and art map of India.

Artists from across the country including regional artists from the states of Bihar, Bengal and Orissa have been invited to the Art-In-Industry camp held in the past. The camps have been held in conjunction with established art galleries in the country who have brought groups of young and seasoned artists to the weeklong camp.