Key Points
Art and law need modern approach to address cultural heritage challenges
Restitution of stolen artifacts is crucial for national identity
Parliamentarians must recognize importance of cultural property origins
Global collaboration essential in protecting artistic heritage
The AGI was speaking at the inaugural conference of the Centre for Art and Law Initiatives (CALI) at the India International Centre in New Delhi on Friday.
Several other experts also spoke at the event, sharing their insights on key issues such as restitution and repatriation of art and cultural heritage. These topics have become especially critical in developing nations like ours, which have historically been the victims of large-scale looting.
Emphasising the need to bring novelty in laws that protect our art and tangible cultural heritage, AGI Venkataramani said that we need to have debates on the subject in the Parliament.
"If we move beyond the Bronze and Stone Age of Art and Law, hopefully, we will bring back our stolen Bronzes...Parliamentarians (in India) have artefacts in their homes but they don't bother to find out their origin," the AGI added.
He opened his speech with the remark, "Hearts can be stolen but art can't be and that's where the laws come into play".
Further, the AGI said that "Various countries around the world are now attempting to bring back their stolen cultural property which has taken more than 40-50 years," and asked "why is India lagging behind?"
In 2019, there was an attempt in our Parliament to bring a bill, in this regard but to this day it has not taken effect, the AGI added.
While concluding his brief address, the AGI said that Art is deeply intertwined with memory, culture and history (of a community) and we must recognize and cherish its value, keeping in mind the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (World is one family).
The first of its kind event was organised by CALI in collaboration with two Germany based organisations: the German Institute of Art and Law and RFKN Legal.
CALI, which was established last year in India is an organisation that works in the area of Art law, a developing subject of law that deals with Art related crimes/offences, property disputes, forgeries etc.
