Tamil Nadu Fine Arts College To Add Departments For Printing & Textile Technology In New Facility
The Government College of Fine Arts in Periyamet, Chennai, one of the oldest institutions of its kind in India, is set for a significant infrastructure upgrade. The Tamil Nadu government has approved the construction of a new four-storey facility that will house departments for printing technology, textile technology,and a comprehensive library. The project will span 53,305 sq. ft. and is being built at an estimated cost of Rs 21.1 crore.
Foundation stones for the new development were laid by M. P. Saminathan, Minister for Tamil Development and Information, and P. K. Sekarbabu, Minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE).
Officials at the college shared that the printing technology wing will introduce students to cutting-edge skills such as digital printing, digital design and 3D printing. “These are in-demand areas that students currently access only through private training institutes,” said an official.
The textile technology section will offer training in the creation of functional textiles, including breathable fabrics, water-resistant materials and textiles with antimicrobial properties—skills aligned with modern industry needs.
A new library, to be housed in the same building, will launch with a collection of over 10,000 books covering subjects like painting, sculpture, visual communication, textile design and printmaking.
Founded in 1850, the Government College of Fine Arts is a historic institution located on EVR Periyar Salai, offering both Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and Master of Fine Arts (MFA) programmes. The annual fee for two semesters is a modest Rs 1,000, making it accessible to students from all backgrounds.
Students also benefit from a range of scholarships, including Rs 3,000 for ten meritorious students and Rs 5,000 for four top-performing final-year students. Additionally, they receive art materials worth Rs 2,000 free of cost.
The college facilitates placements in creative industries, with alumni going on to work as art directors, graphic designers, photographers and cinema artistes.
