The conference, ‘Archiving the Art Histories: Exigencies and Challenges in Pedagogy and Research,’ was organised under the aegis of Association of Academics, Artists and Citizens for University Autonomy (ACUA), which had brazenly defended the then ousted FFA dean, Prof Shivji Panikkar, in 2006. Prof Panikkar is also a part of the three-day conference, which began today.

“We are pleased that a lot of students and artists across the country will be a part of this three-day conference,” said Prof Panikkar, who still stays suspended as the Gujarat University Tribunal is yet to deliver a judgment on the case filed by MSU authorities against him in the Chandramohan painting row.

ACUA plans to involve students from lesser-known art colleges of the country to help in the process of making archives of the local artists.

“We are trying to create a platform for art historians and artists from various parts of the country, especially smaller art schools like Jammu Art School,” said Prof Panikkar.

Meanwhile, Professor Deepak Kannal, head of FFA, described the conference as a welcome move.

“I am pleased that such a conference is being held in the city. It will be very helpful for the students,” Prof Kannal said.