KBF Launches ‘Varayude Penma’, Art Workshop for Kudumbasree Members

KOCHI:
Seeking to empower women by inculcating the values of art amongst them, Kochi Biennale Foundation (KBF) and Kudumbasree launched a 10-day residency art workshop, Varayude Penma, for the members of Kudumbasree Mission here today, with the organisers hoping that such an endeavour would help raise women-centric issues in a forceful and creative manner.
The workshop at Fort Kochi, being attended by around 35 women from 14 districts, was inaugurated by K J Maxi, the local MLA. Prominent artists Valsan Kolleri, Jalaja PS, Jaya PS and C Bhagyanath are helming the workshop. KBF President Bose Krishnamachari said when a woman enters into the world of art, it will inspire her whole family to follow suit. “The self-esteem and confidence of women will increase when they are guided by world renowned artists. It will also help them through alternative modes of employment and livelihood,” he noted.
A B Sabu, Chairman, Welfare Standing Committe, Kochi Corporation, who presided over the function, said women’s issues have now come upfront in the society through discussions and deliberations and the efforts of Kudumbasree in organising such a workshop would be a tool for their empowerment and self-sufficiency.
KBF Secretary Riyas Komu said the time has come for the formation of new classes and avenues for women. “The workshop ‘Varayude Penma’ will surely help women realise the joys of creativity and rediscover the love for art,” he added.
Bernie from the musician duo Bernie-Ignatius was the chief guest at the function. Anita Dube, curator of the upcoming edition of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KMB), and Zeenath Rasheed, Division Counsellor, also spoke on the occasion. Kudumbasree is an ambitious project of the state government aimed at the upliftment of women through enterprises and economic self-sufficiency.
The workshop is an extension of the day-long workshop held at the Biennale Pavilion in January this year. The works produced at the current workshop will be exhibited in a show, expected to be held early next year.