They came from different walks of life. There were school teachers, designers, theatre activists and even students. Karen, who is an art teacher at the Vivek High School, focussed on children, her pet subject. "Have children's art instituted formally in Chandigarh. Artists should go to schools and hold workshops, and the children should be given a platform to come out with their creativity. We can have the show of such works."

She was supported by Neerja, a teacher with the Government School in Sector 22. "My students basically come from the colonies. And they are so good at kite making, mask making and in pottery that if channelised properly, they can accomplish a lot."

Channelising was what Neelabh, a BA second-year student, also wanted. "The Academy should spread its activities to colleges too, for there is hardly any moulding on this front."

Seema Bhalla, a fashion designer from Delhi, who has just settled into her antique furniture and artifacts business in the city, was one for giving responsibility to the members of the academy as per their field of interest. "Moreover, you should help the local talent to emerge, as I often hear some singers complaining that though they are called outside to perform, they are never given a programme in their own city." What Nishi, a theatre activist-turned-journalist, preferred was to provide meaningful activity to the elderly people, the senior citizens. "That is on top of our priority, as we have chalked out a play-production evolved by them," informed Academy chairman G.S. Channi.