Gangtok, March 22: In a never-before gesture, Lalit Kala Akademi (national art academy) today gifted the state government 65 paintings and 16 wood sculptures.

The artworks, created during the five-day national art festival that began here on March 16, are currently on display at Hotel Rendezvous here. The exhibition will continue till March 26.

Lalit Kala Akademi chairman R.B. Bhaskaran said at the inaugural ceremony of the exhibition that this was the first time that Lalit Kala Akademi was gifting such works of art. ?We want the state to have its own art collection and a museum in which it can be displayed,? he said.

A large number of artists, sculptors and members of the public were present at the inaugural ceremony.

Cultural affairs and heritage minister G.M. Gurung was the chief guest.

Gurung, in his address, thanked Lalit Kala Akademi for gifting the artworks and promised to better infrastructure in the state, if ever such national art festivals were organised again.

Sikkim Akademi, to which the artworks now belong, in the mean while, is busy scouting for a space big enough to house all the creations.

President of Sikkim Akademi G.S. Lama said they were looking to rent a place where they ?could hang the paintings?.

?Though there is some space at the Sikkim Sahitya Akademi, it will be impossible to keep all the paintings there,? he said. ?The paintings require attention and have to be kept away from moisture.?