In what is considered as a dream-come true for all the artists and art enthusiasts of Meghalaya, the much-awaited Shillong International Centre for Performing Arts and Culture (SICPAC) was declared opened at Mawkasiang in New Shillong.
The composite structure aesthetically placed on the hill slopes of Shillong overlooking a valley was inaugurated by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma.
The iconic structure has been built at a total cost of Rs 151.33 crore with fund support of Rs 136.20 crore from Central Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) approved by the DONER Ministry and Rs 15.13 crore from the State.
This kind of infrastructure with such a huge seating capacity is the first of its kind in the State.
SICPAC boasts of an iconic RCC framed structure and the building cluster comprises different theatres and auditoria halls, like a Multipurpose Theatre with a capacity of 1739 seats, a Little Theatre with 302 seats, a Black Box Theatre with 574 seats, and an Open-Air Theatre with a standing capacity of 15,000 people, all connected through a central block surrounded with water bodies.
A few of the available utilities at SICPAC include a contemporary Art Gallery, a Sky Theatre, a Special Exhibitions Space, a VIP Enclosure Area, an Auditorium Hall with a rotating stage, a VIP Banquet Hall, a VIP Lounge, a VIP Restroom, automated elevators, a Tribal Museum, a Media Centre, Television and AV Studio, a Library, a Food Court and administrative workspace.
Meghalaya Government Construction Corporation (MGCC) was appointed as PMC (Project Management Consultant) and Hindustan Steelworks Construction Ltd (A Govt. of India Undertaking), NCC Limited and Skematic Consultants were crucial stakeholders towards completion of the project.
In his inaugural address, Conrad Sangma said that the Shillong International Centre for Performing Arts & Culture will set a new benchmark as an infrastructure platform for Performing Arts in the national and international arena.
“The facility will serve as the venue for mega cultural events in the domains of dance, theatre, and music and also host film festivals and particularly showcase art and crafts from the northeast region,” he said.
Sangma also said that the International Convention Centre with state-of-the-art amenities will offer an employable skill development course in art, music, films, television, and multimedia disciplines for the youth of Meghalaya as well as other North East states.
“A small museum at this facility showcasing the State’s art and craft would be an added tourist attraction,” he added.
Others present at the inauguration included Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, Arts and Culture Minister Sanbor Shullai, Chief Secretary Donald P. Wahlang, Commissioner & Secretary (Arts & Culture) Frederick Roy Kharkongor.
