Uncertainty clouds 2024 Kochi-Muziris Biennale amid financial and venue crisis
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The sixth edition of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, India's largest contemporary art exhibition, faces an uncertain future as financial constraints and the potential loss of its primary venue threaten its 2024 inauguration.
Traditionally held at the Aspinwall House, a waterfront property in Fort Kochi, the Biennale has become a cornerstone event since its inception in 2012. However, the venue's availability is now in jeopardy due to impending sales negotiations.
Delhi-based real estate giant DLF, which owns Aspinwall House, has initiated talks to sell the property to the Coast Guard (CG) for operational use. This development has dismayed art enthusiasts and local residents, prompting Kochi Mayor M. Anil Kumar to seek intervention from Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
In his letter, Kumar emphasized the importance of the Aspinwall House to both the Biennale and the city’s cultural heritage. He suggested that the government should assist the CG in finding an alternate location to preserve the historic site for future Biennales.
"It remains to be seen whether the Coast Guard will backtrack from the agreement with DLF if the government helps them acquire alternate land. As Mayor, I am willing to hold talks with the Coast Guard regarding this matter. But I am writing to the CM as this does not fall under the jurisdiction of the Mayor," Kumar stated in his letter.
Bose Krishnamachari, founder of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, expressed his concerns about the sale of Aspinwall House. “Apart from being the prime venue of the Biennale, the Aspinwall House also holds historical significance. It is unfortunate that a heritage property, which attracts international tourists, is being handed over while there are many other buildings suitable for the same purpose,” Krishnamachari remarked.
Previous attempts by the Kerala government to acquire Aspinwall House through the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) have been unsuccessful. This adds to the mounting challenges faced by the Biennale organizers, who are also grappling with financial issues.
The Kerala government has allocated Rs 5 crore for the 2024 Biennale in the state budget, but more funds are needed to ensure its successful execution. Krishnamachari mentioned that a detailed statement would soon be issued by the Kochi Biennale Foundation to address these concerns.
