The Chinese fishing nets, centuries-old spice warehouses, ancient centres of worship and colonial bungalows lining the cobbled streets of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry, all speak of a bygone era.

However, from December 12 to April 10 next year, the streets, warehouses and old villas will turn into galleries of astounding art, with installations by more than 90 artists from around the world, as part of the fifth Kochi-Muziris Biennale, which was launched in 2012.

But why have an art festival here in this dilapidated old trade centre lying on the fringes of a modern Metro city?

Co-founder of Kochi-Muziris Biennale Bose Krishnamachari says Kochi was the obvious choice of venue when the idea for India’s first biennale was mooted more than a decade ago.

As a contemporary artist and curator, he feels that Fort Kochi and Mattancherry provide the perfect setting for creative city-making, a process of making creative urban spaces for people and community to practice or be inspired by art.

But what is so unique about this region?

Reporting: Aswin VN
Voiceover & Production: Abhinaya Sriram
Videos: Special arrangement, Aswin VN

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