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Govt. College of Art & Crafts, Khallikote, Ganjam is one of the premier Art Institutions of Odisha as well as the practising centre of Indian contemporary Art. Housed in a Royal palatial building of Raja’s of Khallikote, built on an area of 17 acres of sprawling land hemmed in between picturesque  hills “Marua” and a green forest, nearest to famous blue lagoon chillika, this is the only Institute which impacts Art and Crafts up to the degree level.

 

  • It is 120 Km. far from the state Capital, Bhubaneswar and well connected with both rail and road.
  • The palace was purchased by the Govt. of Odisha at the cost of Rs. 3.07.985/- only, bearing sale deed No. 4356 of 1956. But till date the ownership has not yet been changed after several attempts.
  • The institution was formally inaugurated by Dr. S. Radha Krishnan, the then Vice President of India, in presence of a galaxy of dignitaries comprising of Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab, the then Chief Minister of Odisha, Sj. Lingaraj Panigrahi, Minister, Radhanath Rath, Ramachandra Mardaraj Deo, Pandit Baikoli Jyotish Visarada, Sarat Chandra Debo the first Principal and others. Formerly the Institution named as Govt. School of Art and Crafts.
  • In its initial years several eminent artists like Bipra Charan Mahanty, Ajit Keshari Ray, Rabinaryan Nayak, Gopal Kanungo, Bipin Bihari Choudhury and others under the dynamic leadership of C. Debo have laid a solid foundation of the course structure in modern art as well as led a movement that is bearing fruit today.
  • Initially the school was functioning under the administrative and academic control of Education Department Govt. of Odisha. A four year certificate Diploma course was introduced in Art education.
  • In the year 1975 the school came under the administrative control of sports and culture (culture) Department (Odisha) and up to 1982 the Diploma certificates were awarded by the Director, Culture, Odisha.
  • Today steps for upgrading the institution, from a school to a degree college (5 year degree course BFA) was introduced in the year 1979/80 and affiliated to the Berhmpur University.
  • After coming up of a new university during there year 1999-2000, the college again got affiliated to Utkal University of Culture, Odisha, Bhubaneswar and continuing as such.
  • The College observed its silver jubilee during the year 1987 with the help of old students union.
  • In the year 2007, college celebrated its 50 years as golden jubilee.
  • The building now is a part of Odisha Heritage.
  • Like a lamp lighting the other, the students of this institution have spread the message of art and occupied permanent positions in different spheres of modern society.
  • Study curriculum: The College is imparting a 4 years B.V.A (Bachelor in visual Art) Certificate Course from 2005 and intake capacity of the College in 30 nos. per year.
  • Candidate having passed +2 or equivalent examination is eligible to apply for Admission through entrance test.
  • Every year students should appear for 2 semesters’ examinations.
  • College has well equipped class rooms, meeting hall, Library & studios for students.
  • 50% students are being provided Stipend from Dept. Of Culture and also SC, ST, OBC candidates are getting scholarship from Govt.
  • College has 7 Departments in VISUAL ART:
    1. Painting
    2. Indian Painting
    3. Applied Art ( Commercial Art)
    4. Print Making (Graphic Art)
    5. Modelling & Sculpture
    6. Craft & Ceramic
    7. Art History – Art theory for all students as compulsory along with studio practice students practicing outdoor study from nearby locations like: Market, Railway Station, Bus stop, Chillika Lake, Nirmaljhar, Shree Jagannath Temple for Social and architectural studies. During their study period study tours are being organised outside the state for better understanding of Visual Art studies.
  • College campus: The College is functioning in the palatial Building built probably 200 years ago. The palace comprising of a three storied building with decorative pillars and veranda. Two aganas, Hati Agana & Patta Agana are the open space between the structures. The age old building has some weakened portions and is restricted for use.
  • During the Golden Jubilee our beloved Chief Minister Sj. Naveen Pattnaik declared the institution as centre of Excellency and sanction Rs. 2 core for its development. By using the fund, a structure has been constructed in front of the main building in an area of approximately 2500 sq feet and now Dep’t. Of painting on top floor, Library & Theory hall at 1st floor, Art Gallery (SaratVitthi) in Ground Floor, is functioning in the said building
  • In the year a new project proposed by the college for a new academic building built on the vacant place in front of college gate vide our letter no.  400/GCAC Dated 01.08.2018.
  • In this context Govt. has sanctioned a sum of Rs. 13, 50,000/- for construction of its boundary wall on un- utilised Land of Art College and the work has been finished. The academic building is a necessity for the college as well as students.
  • There are two  hostels which are functioning for both boys and girls. The intake capacity of boys hostels 45 girls hostel is 12 no’s .But due to demand both the hostels run beyond its capacity.

  • Programme: Every year college organises several educational programmes like exhibition, seminar, workshop, etc, conducted through the research fellows from different Universities of India and other Art Institutions for the benefit of the students. Students having excellence in their discipline are being awarded to encourage them.

  • A memorial Smruti award given to one meritorious student of Printmaking (Graphic) department of GCAC, Khallikote from 2019 onwards in the name of “BANABEHARI PARIDA SMRUTI AWARD” in shape of cash through interest money.  From the fixed deposit, a sum of Rs.1,50,000/-which was given by Sri Banabehari  Parida , Graphic Artist, Cuttack, Odisha.
  • The Institution has paucity of Teaching staff and ministerial staff. So this fact was communicated to the Government, Department of OLL & culture, Odisha Bhubaneswar It is under active consideration of the Government .There is also a bare necessity for construction of an independent hostel building for the boys and a new academic building is being built on the vacant place in front of college for the students.