The Government College of Art & Craft, Agartala, marks its 50th anniversary with a five-day golden jubilee celebration from September 9–13. Featuring exhibitions, cultural performances, workshops, and archives, the event highlights the institution’s legacy in fine arts while charting a vibrant future for Tripura’s creative community.
The Government College of Art and Craft, Agartala, a cultural cornerstone of Tripura and one of the most reputed fine arts institutions in Northeast India, is set to celebrate its golden jubilee with a grand five-day program beginning on September 9, 2025. The celebration marks 50 years since the institution’s founding in 1975 by visionary artist and educator Dr. Sumangal Sen.
What began humbly from the veranda of Rabindra Bhavan has grown into a premier center for fine arts education, now proudly housed at Lichubagan. Over the past five decades, the college has shaped generations of artists and designers, gaining recognition not only across Tripura but also in the national art community.
Year-Long Celebrations in Three Phases
Speaking at the Agartala Press Club on Tuesday, Principal Abhijit Bhattacharjee outlined the golden jubilee celebrations, which will span an entire year in three phases. The programs will feature seminars, workshops, art fairs, and interactive sessions with children, enriched by the participation of renowned artists from across the country.
The festivities were flagged off on September 4 with a vibrant cultural procession themed “Visual Culture of Tripura.” The event showcased the state’s deep-rooted traditions in painting, sculpture, and craft, while also symbolizing the college’s ongoing mission of blending heritage with modern creativity.
Five-Day Golden Jubilee Program
The main golden jubilee event will run from September 9 to September 13 at the college premises. Each day, the campus will be open to visitors from 12 PM to 8 PM, offering an immersive experience into Tripura’s vibrant creative landscape.
The highlights of the five-day celebration include:
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Art Fest & Exhibition – Displaying works by students, faculty, and invited artists.
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College Archives Display – A journey through the institution’s 50-year legacy, showcasing rare photographs, documents, and artifacts.
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Photo Gallery & Film Screenings – Featuring both historical records and contemporary creative works.
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Cultural Performances – Evening sessions of music, dance, and theatre by students and local cultural groups.
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Student Art Sale Booths – Providing young artists an opportunity to showcase and sell their creations to the public.
Invitations have been extended to Tripura’s Chief Minister, the Minister of Higher Education, and eminent artist Sanghamitra Nandi to grace the event as special guests. Their presence is expected to lend further significance to the milestone celebrations.
College Legacy and Alumni Achievements
In his address, Principal Abhijit Bhattacharjee reflected on the college’s journey and contributions to fine arts in the region. He emphasized that the institution has not only nurtured local talent but has also produced alumni who have excelled nationally in fields such as design, animation, advertising, and academia.
“From its humble beginnings to its current stature, the college has stood as a beacon of creativity and cultural pride for Tripura,” Bhattacharjee said. “The golden jubilee not only honors our past legacy but also sets the stage for an exciting and vibrant future in fine arts education.”
Indeed, the Government College of Art and Craft has played a vital role in shaping the cultural identity of Tripura. Its faculty and students have frequently participated in exhibitions and competitions across India, further solidifying its reputation as one of the most influential art institutions in the Northeast.
A Celebration of Creativity and Community
The golden jubilee is expected to draw large crowds of students, alumni, art lovers, and cultural enthusiasts. Beyond the festivities, it also aims to reconnect past generations of artists with the present, creating a shared space for dialogue, reflection, and inspiration.
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By organizing art fairs and children’s programs, the college seeks to extend its influence to the wider community and encourage a younger generation to explore creativity. Such initiatives reaffirm its founding vision: to serve as both a learning institution and a cultural hub that reflects the artistic heartbeat of Tripura.
As the college steps into its next fifty years, the golden jubilee celebrations will stand as a symbolic bridge — honoring a rich legacy while inspiring fresh creativity for the future.
