Biennale has become a democratic platform: Kodiyeri

Kochi: Despite strident opposition in the run-up to the first edition of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KMB) in 2012, the popularity of the event and the efforts of its organisers silenced naysayers, ruling CPI(M) Kerala State Secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said here Thursday.

The leader, who was the Tourism Minister in the V S Achuthanandan headed LDF government, was speaking at a media interaction during a visit to Aspinwall House in Fort Kochi, the primary venue of the ongoing third edition of the country's only biennale, art show.

At the time of Biennale s inception, there were a number of objections and criticisms against the step. However, the state government decided to ignore the negativity and go ahead with the initiative. Today, even its strongest critics have

He said the KMB has become a democratic platform. The organisers have proved the vitality of such an event in Kerala.

"As the Biennale has started attracting ever larger crowds, the state should focus on marketing this mega art event at foreign tourism marts, including the World Tourism Mart. This will help to attract more foreign tourists to this event and help to boost the tourism sector," Balakrishnan said.

Noting that the state government had commendably resolved the issue regarding a permanent venue for the Biennale, he said, Venues for future KMBs should retain the same peculiarities and amenities that the event enjoys today."

The former minister was given a guided tour of Aspinwall House by KMB co-founder Bose Krishnamachari.