NGMA Bengaluru grooms art sleuths

Bengaluru’s NGMA launches art detective cards
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

By Meghna Barik

In an effort to bridge the oft-perceived gap between art and the everyday visitor, the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), Bengaluru, has introduced Art Detective Cards — an interactive tool designed to engage children and spark their interest in the world of art.

This initiative, recently launched in collaboration with the Rereeti Foundation, marks a significant step toward making museums more inclusive and accessible to the younger generation. The launch event, which took place at the museum’s serene Sculpture Garden, was a lively affair, featuring a theatrical performance by Bangalore Little Theatre. The troupe performed adaptations of Rabindranath Tagore’s plays, adding a touch of storytelling magic to an evening that celebrated creativity and exploration.

The Art Detective Cards are designed to transform a visit to NGMA into a treasure hunt for young visitors. Aimed at two distinct age groups — 6 to 8 years and 9 to 10 years — the cards present clues and tasks that encourage children to identify and interact with artworks, especially the sculptures in NGMA Bengaluru’s permanent collection.

Bengaluru’s NGMA launches art detective cards
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

The cards are available in English, Kannada, and Hindi, ensuring inclusivity across linguistic boundaries. Visitors can borrow the cards from the museum’s art shop for a nominal deposit fee. The idea is simple: children use the cards to explore and solve puzzles around the artworks. Once they complete the activity, they can return the cards and receive a small sticker set as a reward, making the experience both engaging and rewarding.

Talking about the initiative, Priyanka Mary Francis, director of NGMA Bengaluru, said, “Back in 2009, when NGMA Bengaluru was conceptualised, a similar card game was introduced. However, the rotating nature of our exhibitions rendered the original cards obsolete. With no permanent display, the cards became obsolete.”

Determined to reintroduce the concept, Priyanka and her team aimed to create a tool that was not only educational but also enduring. “Both the exterior and interiors of the Sculpture Garden houses a permanent set of artworks. This allowed us to design a sustainable activity that engages children meaningfully.”

Bengaluru’s NGMA launches art detective cards
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

NGMA’s collaboration with the Rereeti Foundation, a Bengaluru-based organisation specialising in museum strategies and programs, brought a professional and community-focused approach to the initiative. Known for their expertise in designing programs that foster a sense of belonging in cultural spaces, Rereeti played a pivotal role in the cards’ redevelopment.

Art has often been considered an elite domain, inaccessible to many, especially children. By introducing these cards, NGMA Bengaluru seeks to dismantle this perception and make art more approachable.

“Many children visit museums because their parents bring them, not because they are naturally inclined to explore art. The cards offer an opportunity for them to engage with art on their terms, turning the visit into an adventure rather than a chore,” said Priyanka.

The cards are more than just a tool for fun; they serve as an entry point into the larger world of art appreciation. By stimulating curiosity and fostering hands-on interaction, they lay the foundation for a lifelong connection with art. By creating a child-friendly atmosphere, NGMA hopes to encourage repeat visits and foster a culture of art appreciation among younger audiences.

Thankfully, the initiative is not a one-off event. NGMA Bengaluru plans to introduce new detective cards for more exhibitions, ensuring the activity evolves with the museum’s offerings.

The Art Detective Cards are now available at NGMA Bengaluru.