Kochi: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday inaugurated the sixth edition of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale at Parade Ground, Fort Kochi, calling for artistic resistance against the rising use of art to fuel hatred, riots, and even genocide.

Lighting a specially crafted kuruthola lamp made from tender coconut leaves, the Chief Minister formally opened the Biennale. All dignitaries on stage simultaneously lit 20 lamps, marking the beginning of the festival.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister warned against organised efforts to use art to malign Kerala, noting that such attempts are increasingly finding national endorsement. “When films that deliberately tarnish Kerala receive awards, the credibility of those awards is questioned. The Biennale must offer a cultural space to counter such distortions,” he said.

He emphasised that divisive forces were attempting to stifle diversity and propagate regressive ideas. “Artistic resistance to these forces is vital, and the Biennale must lead this resistance. This is the political ethos of the Biennale,” he said.

Highlighting Kerala’s capability to host international cultural events, the Chief Minister said the state government’s allocation of ₹7.5 crore for the Biennale reflected its commitment to promoting the arts. Kerala continues to provide the highest financial support for cultural initiatives in the country, he noted.

He added that cultural progress forms the basis of economic progress. “Cultural complexes have already been completed in Kollam and Palakkad, and similar facilities are coming up across all districts. The government remains actively engaged in strengthening social progress through cultural development,” he said.

Calling the Biennale an “open gateway” for global artistic exchange, he said it allows cultures from around the world to flow into Kerala and enables the state’s cultural heritage to reach international audiences.

Kochi Biennale Foundation Chairperson Dr Venu V delivered the welcome address, while CEO Thomas Varghese proposed the vote of thanks. President Bose Krishnamachari presented the Biennale report, and curator Nikhil Chopra detailed this edition’s theme, For the Time Being, asserting that an artist’s freedom is symbolic of society’s freedom.

The inaugural function was attended by Industry–Coir–Law Minister P Rajeev, MP Hibi Eden, MLAs T J Vinod and K J. Maxy, Mayor M Anilkumar, former ministers M A Baby and K V Thomas, Additional Chief Secretary Rajan Khobragade, Tourism Secretary K Biju, Director Shikha Surendran, KMB patron M A Yusuff Ali and several others. The event concluded with a musical performance by the Shankha Tribe.

Exhibitions from December 13
The Biennale will open to the public on Saturday, December 13. This edition features 66 artist projects from over 25 countries, curated by Nikhil Chopra and HH Art Spaces. A total of 36 artists and collectives from Kerala and abroad are participating. Performance art shows, discussions, lectures, music nights, and other programmes will be held across the main venues and ancillary spaces.

Ticket rates
A one-day ticket costs ₹200 for visitors aged 18 to 60. Students with valid ID cards and senior citizens above 60 can enter for ₹100. Entry is free for children up to 10 years.

Weekly passes are available at ₹500 for students and senior citizens, and ₹1,000 for all others.

Tickets are required for venues including Aspinwall House (Coir Godown, Director’s Bungalow), Anand Warehouse, SMS Hall, 111 Marcus & Café, Durbar Hall (currently free), Pepper House, Space (Indian Chamber of Commerce), and Island Warehouse. Exhibitions at the remaining venues out of a total of 22 are free.

Alongside the main exhibitions, the Biennale will host Invitations, Students’ Biennale, Art by Children, Edam, and collateral shows. These sections will run from December 13, 2025, to March 31, 2026. This year, Biennale venues have also expanded to the Island Warehouse in Willingdon Island.