India`s first biennale art fest to be held in Kochi

Kochi: Here`s a chance for art lovers in India to see works that date back to 1895. The Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2012, billed as the largest and most sophisticated international art festival, will begin later this year in Kochi.

The Kochi-Muziris Biennale seeks to invoke the historic and cosmopolitan legacy of the modern metropolis of Kochi, and its mythical predecessor, the ancient port of Muziris. This is the first time the event is being organised. The three-month-long art show is set to begin Dec 12. It will see 80 artists from over 35 countries participating. At least 40 Indian artists are expected to exhibit their works in a variety of media. There are, at present, over 100 biennale art fests in the world. The more prominent fests are held in Venice, Istanbul, Sydney and Havana. Riyas Komu, director of programmes of the Kochi event, at a presentation at the Kerala Travel Mart Sunday, said that the fest would see exhibitions and artworks installed in Kochi, Muziris, and surrounding islands. The event will be organised by the Kochi Biennale Foundation. Dignitaries from Australia, Portugal, Germany, the United Kingdom, France and Brazil are expected to attend. The Kochi Biennale Foundation has already renovated a hall here at a cost of Rs.3.5 crore so it can serve as a museum venue for the use of the local community. This event is the only destination in India mentioned in the `13 cultural events to be seen` listed by Forbes Magazine. IANS