Stay with Kochi Biennale

The organisers of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale have just begun preparations for its sixth edition a year from now. I still remember its start, on the euphonious date of 12.12.12-December 12, 2012-when a group of idealist artists embarked with some trepidation on a bold attempt to transform India's art scene.

- SHASHI THAROOR

In the dozen years since its inception, the biennale has made a profound impact on both Kerala and the nation at large. As the largest contemporary art festival in Asia, it has transformed Kochi into a vibrant hub for international and Indian artists, fostering a rich cultural exchange and attracting art lovers from across the country and abroad.

Inspired largely by the Venice Biennale, which since 1895 has been one of the most prestigious cultural events in the world, the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, too, hopes to develop a reputation for showcasing ground-breaking art and introducing significant artistic movements. Each edition of the biennale seeks to reflect trends, tackle contemporary issues, and give space to voices that might not have a stage elsewhere. It also acts as a think tank for the Indian art world, influencing future artistic directions.