Qila Mubarak, the ancient fortress of Sikh architecture in Patiala, is all set to host the first international contemporary arts forum, titled ‘Punjab Panorama’, on 3 March.

Addressing a Press conference in New Delhi on Saturday, state tourism and culture minister Navjot Singh Sidhu said this is the first time that the historic fort will be presented to history and culture aficionados in this engaging manner, thus unlocking the huge untapped tourism potential of Punjab.

The inaugural event will be marked by opening remarks from Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, along with the Greek Ambassador and the Consul General Canada. A souvenir book will be launched during the event, which will also witness a special programme on 5 March for the visiting dignitaries in Chandigarh.

A special tour of Pierre Jeanneret’s contribution to Chandigarh is also planned to showcase Punjab’s hybrid history through a blend of international, regional and local art. The innovative event is a holistic package, carrying the stamp of various globally renowned cultural organisations, said Sidhu.

The event, which will bring together internationally reputed cultural representatives, including, artists, museum directors, musicians, historians and curators, is being organised in collaboration with several embassies, and is supported by Punjab government. Among the participants are Greece, Canada, Swiss Arts Council, Goethe Instut and Asia Society.

Giving details, Sarah Singh, founder-director of Panorama Punjab and noted international artist herself, said a major highlight of the programme will be a curated exhibition of international film work by female artists from around the world.

Besides Sarah, the international artists would also include Meghan Boody, Carla Gannis, Gudrun Barenbrock, and Bahar Behabani, among others.The programme will be marked by panel discussions and presentations that explore Punjab’s culture and history through artefacts, films and architecture, in the framework of ‘Punjab as Protagonist’ and ‘Hybrid Aesthetics’.

It will see the representation of five major world museums such as Denmark, Greece, UK, USA, and Canada, 11 international film artists, three international performance artists and three Indian performance artists.

Former Deputy Director of the Design Museum Denmark, Dr Mirjam Gelfer, will make a presentation on ‘Japanese influence on Danish design’. Gurmeet Rai, who did her PhD on the Qila Mubarak, will explore its heritage and history in the present day, along with conversations on the idea for the ‘new’ Punjab.