Much has been written about Chennai being the home to an early medical college and an engineering college. But much less has been documented about how the state has been creating training schools for different art forms since 1850. The Government College of Fine Arts, the film institute to train people in direction, cinematography, sound engineering, acting and editing, an exclusive university for the performing arts, multiple schools for music across the state, and the Government College of Architecture and Sculpture among other institutions are an indication of the state’s engagement in the world of culture.