Kochi: Chief Minister Mr Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday said that the state government would implement a project to set up a permanent venue for the Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KMB), on the lines of the Venice Biennale. Speaking after inaugurating the KMB’s third edition at the Fort Kochi Parade Ground, he said that the Kochi international contemporary art event would gain more popularity like the Venice Biennale if it gets a ‘home’ and ensures its continuity.
“The ancient history of Kochi is marked with adventure and the idea to organise the Biennale here tells us that there is adventure in its present too. Just as the Biennale created history in Kochi, a permanent venue for the Biennale will also create history,” he added. “Already, the LDF government had allocated a sum of Rs 7.5 crore in its budget to organise the Biennale. This is the highest ever funds given to an art event by a state government in India,” he noted.
He termed the Biennale as a gateway between Kerala and the world through which the diverse expressions of international art and culture moved freely into the state and the art forms of Kerala flowed outside. He said that Kochi is the perfect place to host the Biennale owing to its rich cosmopolitan ambien Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran noted that 80 artistes from 24 countries are presenting their art works at the Biennale which gives a big boost to tourism in the state. Mayor Soumini Jain, K.V. Thomas MP, K.J. Maxy and John Fernandes, both MLAs, and former minister for culture M.A. Baby, during whose tenure the Biennale was launched, also graced the occasion.
Lulu Group founder and managing director M.A. Yousuf Ali pledged Rs 2 crore to the next edition of the Biennale. KMB 2016 curator Sudarshan Shetty outlined his artistic vision for the Biennale. KBF secretary Riyas Komu welcomed the gathering and Kochi Biennale Foundation (KBF) president Bose Krishnamachari proposed a vote of thanks. Prior to the inaugural function, a ‘chenda melam’ of 150 percussionists led by Peruvanam Kuttan Marar welcomed the dignitaries and public to the venue. Following the ceremony, a concert by noted singer Suman Sridhar and The Black Mamba band was also held.
