Jatin Das is the Founder Chairman of JD Centre of Art (JDCA), whose vision is to create an art centre that preserves and promotes traditional and contemporary art, without boundaries. Jatin Das has been collecting beautifully crafted objects for over 50 years and has built a personal collection of contemporary work, traditional art, antiquity and crafts, including the enormous Pankha collection. 

 

This expansive vision took shape across the historic 2nd century BC Khandagiri caves in Bhubaneswar, Odisha where

the construction of the Centre is ongoing. The Centre is envisioned to become an iconic part of Odisha’s cultural landscape. It was designed by the eminent architect B V Doshi, who recently received the prestigious Pritzker Prize and the Nobel Prize for Architecture.

 

The Centre will host a very diverse collection and aims to create a space for not only Odisha but a global conversation about the power of art to transform, sustain, educate and empower. The Centre aims to blur the lines across many borders of art, people and culture. It will bring traditional and contemporary art, all under one roof. As a living space, it will bring the art and craft communities closer to the general public.

 

Its current activities include a monthly Meet the Artist Program and a biennial Film Festival on Art and Artists. They have continued to educate, inspire, and sensitize artists, art lovers and the public at large. 245 Illustrated lectures and 13 Film Festivals have taken place along with various workshops and seminars. JDCA has held exhibitions, seminars and workshops on art, architecture and conservation and community arts for children. Once the Museum opens, a vibrant programme calendar will be in place.

 

JDCA is a member of the International Council of Museums (ICOM) network.