Artists elated over state govt move

Kochi: With the Kerala govt about to complete the formalities to purchase the historic Aspinwall House in Fort Kochi from DLF, the artistic community expressed optimism that the acquisition would strengthen art initiatives and heritage preservation efforts.

As the next edition of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale is scheduled to be held from Dec 12, 2025, to March 31, 2026, questions arose about the future of the significant international cultural festival in Kerala, following reports from last year about plans to transfer the Aspinwall House to the Indian Coast Guard's control. Aspinwall House, one of the major waterfront heritage properties in Fort Kochi, is the prime venue of the Biennale.

Bose Krishnamachari of the Kochi Biennale Foundation (KBF) expressed happiness over the govt move to acquire the structure. "I have no official information regarding the govt's decision. However, if there is such a move on the part of the govt, it would definitely be a big sigh of relief for the (KBF). We were trying hard to resolve the issue surrounding the heritage structure. We are hopeful that everything will be resolved on a positive note before the next edition of the KBF," he said.

Renowned artist T V Santosh observed that the govt move will give a major boost to the heritage protection activities and tourism activities in the state. "The move is a crucial one as the preparation for the upcoming edition of the Biennale has already started. Aspinwall can be protected as a monument instead of handling it as a real estate property. It can also be used as a regular venue for art-related events in addition to the Kochi-Muziris Biennale," he said.

Meanwhile, Ajayakumar, former dean of visual arts, World University of Design, New Delhi, said that there should be a govt body to manage the property, to avoid any further controversy over it. "In my opinion, the property should not be handed over to the KBF. Once acquired, the govt should directly manage the property. It can still be used for the Biennale and other art-related events, but under strict govt supervision. Along with this, the govt can preserve it as a major heritage structure," he said.

It is learnt that the KBF will soon announce the future course of actions after the govt formally declares the acquisition of the property.