Published Mar 11, 2026 | 9:01 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 11, 2026 | 9:01 PM
Artist and curator Bose Krishnamachari. (Supplied)
Synopsis: Krishnamachari, a co-founder of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, said his journey with the city has been closely connected with the Biennale, which helped place Kochi on the global cultural map. He added that the appointment reflects the cultural confidence and creative energy generated by the “People’s Biennale”.
Artist and curator Bose Krishnamachari has been appointed as the Cultural Curator of Kochi. The appointment was made by the Kochi Municipal Corporation as part of efforts to strengthen the city’s cultural vision and public art initiatives.
The decision was taken with the support of Mayor Minimol VK, Deputy Mayor Deepak Joy, Ernakulam MP Hibi Eden, and MLAs KJ Maxi, TJ Vinod, Uma Thomas and K Babu. Corporation Secretary PS Shibu and Dr Rajan of the Centre for Heritage, Environment and Development (C-HED) were also involved in the initiative.
Responding to the appointment, Krishnamachari said he was honoured by the trust placed in him by the Corporation and its leadership. He noted that Kerala has long been recognised as one of India’s most culturally conscious and socially progressive states and that Kochi — a historic port city and economic hub, has traditionally served as a meeting point of cultures, ideas and communities.
It is also reported that perhaps Bose would be the first art curator of a civic body in India.
Krishnamachari, a co-founder of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, said his journey with the city has been closely connected with the Biennale, which helped place Kochi on the global cultural map. He added that the appointment reflects the cultural confidence and creative energy generated by the “People’s Biennale”.
He said Kochi’s decision to invite an artist-curator to help shape the city’s cultural imagination marks a progressive step, bringing together art, architecture, public spaces and civic planning to enrich everyday urban life.
Krishnamachari said he looks forward to working with the Corporation, cultural institutions, embassies, artists, architects, designers and citizens to strengthen Kochi’s cultural fabric and create inclusive and inspiring public spaces. He also expressed hope that, after the success of the Biennale, Kochi could move towards becoming India’s first truly “Creative City”.
Meanwhile, the Kochi Biennale Foundation has announced that contemporary artist and curator Jitish Kallat will take on the role of President of the Kochi–Muziris Biennale to chair the selection of the curator for the next edition. The announcement was made by Foundation Chairperson Dr. Venu V.
Mumbai-based Kallat, who is also a member of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees had earlier curated the second edition of the Kochi–Muziris Biennale (2014–15), titled ‘Whorled Explorations’.
He accepted the responsibility at the request of the Board following the decision of Biennale co-founder Bose Krishnamachari to step down earlier this year.
Dr. Venu V. said Kallat’s long association with the Biennale and his international standing in the contemporary art world make him well suited to lead the process of selecting the next curator. Kallat noted that the Kochi–Muziris Biennale has played a significant role in shaping conversations around contemporary art in India and globally and said he looks forward to ensuring a thoughtful and rigorous selection process.
Kallat is regarded as one of India’s leading contemporary artists, with works that explore themes of science, history and humanity’s place in the cosmos.
His exhibitions have been held at major institutions including the Art Institute of Chicago, the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney, the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
A mid-career retrospective of his work was presented by the National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi in 2017.
His works have also been showcased at global venues such as Tate Modern in London, Mori Art Museum in Tokyo and Serpentine Galleries in London and at international events including the Venice Biennale, Gwangju Biennale and Havana Biennial.
The sixth edition of the Kochi–Muziris Biennale, titled ‘For the Time Being’, curated by Nikhil Chopra with HH Art Spaces, is currently underway and will conclude on March 31, 2026.
(With inputs from Sreelakshmi Soman)
