Mysuru: Visual artists who had participated in Mysuru Dasara festivals on Monday alleged that they were denied fair remuneration and due recognition, despite their contribution to the preparation of tableaux and other artworks for the annual celebrations.Office-bearers of Mysuru Dasara Visual Artists Association said govt’s decision to entrust tableau-related works to private event management companies had adversely affected artists. They alleged that while the companies receive substantial payments for the work, artists engaged in designing and executing the tableaux are paid comparatively low amounts.Entrust work to local artists not private agencies: AssociationThe artists said they had been facing neglect for the past few years and that the existing system had failed to ensure fair compensation for their skills and labour. They warned that they would be forced to stay away from Dasara-related work if the situation continued. The association demanded that all artwork and tableau-related assignments for Dasara be entrusted directly to qualified local artists instead of being routed through private event management agencies. This, they said, would ensure that artists receive appropriate remuneration and that their contribution to the festival is duly recognised.The artists also urged the authorities to convene a meeting with members of Dasara Tableaux Committee and the concerned nodal officers to discuss their grievances and evolve a fair system for engaging artists. They further sought basic amenities at the tableau preparation site at APMC market in Bandipalya, including proper working conditions and facilities for artists. The association appealed to the district administration and Dasara authorities to address their concerns at the earliest and ensure that artists are treated fairly during the festival.
