Thiruvananthapuram: Kochi Biennale Foundation is planning an auction of works of internationally acclaimed artists in Kochi to raise at least '10 crore as contribution to the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund. The auction will be announced at an event in Mumbai on October 28.
A meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi VIjayan here on Monday discussed preparations for the Kochi-Muziris Biennale December 12- March 29. Biennale Foundation secretary Riyaz Komu told the meeting that the biennale, which happens every two years, could make Kochi the cultural capital of the country.
Theme-wise this year’s biennale would look at social issues and 90 prominent artists from 31 countries would participate. Last time 6 lakh people visited the biennale and the number would still be higher this time, said Komu.
A children’s biennale is this year’s highlight, giving children opportunities to present their works and interact with leading artists. Mr Vijayan instructed officials to speed up land acquisition for a permanent biennale venue. Among those present at the meeting were Biennale Foundation president Bose Krishnamachari, Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran, Higher Education Minister K T Jaleel, Additional Chief Secretary P H Kurian and Tourism Secretary Rani George.
