1. NATIONAL CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAMME (NCEP)

Cultural exchanges programmes provide an opportunity to explore and experience exotic cultures, traditions, customs and beliefs. Under NCEP exchange of artistes, musicians, performers and sculptors etc. between different regions within the country are undertaken for the promotion of the rich cultural heritage. Under this scheme, various festivals of performing arts, exhibitions, yatras etc are organized in member States involving Artists from other zones/states. NCEP facilitates participation of artists from the Zone in festivals held in other parts of the country and provide an opportunity to understand the various cultures. This scheme is benefiting a large number of folk artists, musicians, artisans etc. More importantly, it provides a common platform to the artistes from the region and other Zones for a meaningful interaction. Categories of NCEP organized are as follows. 

(a)   Bharat Ko Jano (Cultural Chain Yatra Programme)

Bharat Ko Jano primarily aims to cover District/ Blocks and fan out to remote villages in the vicinity, or less well-off town/city habitations, aimed at providing a common platform to the artistes from the region and other zones for a meaningful interaction and explore the exotic cultures. The Yatra /Chain programme is conducted in collaboration with the concerned State Department/ District Administration.

(b)  BORDER AREA PROGRAMME

The North Eastern States share international borders with China, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar and Bangladesh. Border Area Programme is being implemented to initiate suitable programmes and activities for the people living along international Border Areas and giving them a chance to participate in the cultural activities. Artistes from the region and other zones are invited to participate in the programme.

(c)  Women Activities in Preservation of Culture

The main objective of the programme is aimed at Women Empowerment. The NEZCC has been annually conducting “Women Activity” programmes in the member States involving women from different fields and professions like traditional weaving, pottery making etc. for preservation and promotion of their traditions and culture. Production oriented workshops and trainings are conducted in different fields to improve their skills and livelihood generation. 

(d)  Umang Programmes

The NEZCC organizes the Umang Programme as per the National Policy for persons with disabilities in all the member States. The Umang programmes provide platforms to differently-abled children to exhibit their talent and opportunity to interact with other children in a very healthy and congenial atmosphere. Creative workshops are organised under the guidance of experts to promote skill and talent.

(e)  Collaborative Programmes

NEZCC organizes Collaborative Programmes with organizations, such as, Sangeet Natak Akademi, Lalit Kala Akademy, Sahitya Akademy, NSD, CCRT, ICCR, TRIFED. NGOs working in the field of Culture to strengthen outreach programmes.

II THEATRE REJUVENATION SCHEME

Theatre Rejuvenation Scheme provides opportunity to theatre workers, students, actors, artistes, directors and writers to perform and interact on a common platform. Under this scheme Natyotsav (Theatre Festival), Traditional Theatre Festival, Children Theatre Workshops and Production Oriented Theatre Workshops are organized to promote theatre among the masses and to encourage various forms of theatre and its production.

III TRIBAL SUB PLAN

The scheme covers the Tribal Areas of the region by conducting handloom and handicrafts workshops and production, special skill development workshops for tribal women and special programmes for promotion of the tribal arts and crafts.

IV  YOUNG TALENT AWARD

The Young Talented Artistes Awards Scheme was introduced by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in the financial year 2003 – 2004, to encourage and recognize outstanding young talents in various fields of folk art in the age group of 18 to 30 years. The applications are invited through the Department of Art & Culture of the member States and the applications recommended by the respective States are placed in the Panel of Experts for Selection. 

V Guru Shishya Parampara Scheme

Under this scheme, NEZCC opens Guru Shishya Kendras in member States under the guidance of Gurus/Experts. In each Kendra NEZCC pays monthly stipends @? 7,500/- to Guru, ? 3,750/-  to Assistant and  ? 1,500/- each to four Shishyas. Gurus/Experts are selected and appointed for a period of one year. Guru Shishya Parampara Scheme is for promotion and preservation of the vanishing art forms through Gurukul way of teaching and providing training in different fields of traditional arts and crafts to the youngsters. The Centre appoints eminent art personalities/masters in various art forms as Gurus to set up Guru Shishya Kendras.

VI Research & Documentation

To preserve, promote and propagate vanishing visual and performing art forms including folk and tribal arts etc. NEZCC undertakes various projects and publish in print and audio – visual mediaUnder this scheme, documentation of vanished, vanishing and dying arts and crafts of North East region are undertaken by way of grass root level research and collection of data. The final products of research works are published in Audio–Visual and print media. The productions are preserved systematically and circulated for promotion of the arts and crafts and cultural heritage of the region.

VII  National Level Events

NEZCC also participates in/organizes the following National Level Programmes:

(a)       Octave – Festival of North East

(b)       Republic Day Parade

(a)       Octave - Festival of North East

Octave - Festival of the North East was introduced by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India in the year 2006. This festival provides a right platform to the artistes and artisans of the region to project their rich cultural heritage in various parts of the Country.

(b)       Republic Day Parade – Children Contingent

The Republic Day Parade is organized by the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. NEZCC recommends Children Contingent with suitable art form to the Ministry of Defence and participates in this prestigious event as per the selection by the expert committee.