‘Let’s Talk’ Series Ahead of Kochi-Muziris Biennale

KOCHI:
The Kochi Biennale Foundation will conduct “Let’s Talk” series ahead of the upcoming Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2025-26. In preparation for the event, Nikhil Chopra, Curator of the sixth edition of Kochi-Muziris Biennale and Mario D’Souza, director of programs at KBF will lead the “Let’s Talk” series in multiple spaces across Kerala. This will serve as a platform for dialogue, engaging audiences with discussions on contemporary artistic practice, the role of art in society, and the evolving landscape of cultural production in India.

Today (March 20), the event will be held at Sree Narayana Guru Cultural Complex in Kollam, followed by a session at CMS College, Kottayam, tomorrow (March 21). Sree Sankaracharya University of Sankrit, Kalady, will host the conversation on March 26. The inaugural session of the talk series took place yesterday at Kanakakkunnu Palace, Thiruvananthapuram. As the series progresses, “Let’s Talk” will travel to more venues across the state, bringing together artists, scholars, cultural practitioners, and the public for thought-provoking conversations.

“Let’s Talk” aims to reach diverse communities across Kerala, reinforcing KBF’s commitment to accessibility and public engagement. Curated by artist Nikhil Chopra with HH Art Spaces, the upcoming biennale will open on December 12, 2025, and run through March 31, 2026.

“As a curator, my approach is to think regionally and draw affinities with global histories,” said Nikhil Chopra. “My curatorial framework thinks through ideas of hospitality and care, as well as the importance of artist solidarity and friendship economies as modes of learning and survival.” He added.

Mario D’Souza, director of programs at KBF, said: “We want to engage in global dialogues from regional, situated perspectives. This will be a guiding principle for the foundation’s programs. We will be hosting a range of conversations, workshops and events across the state — bringing local, regional and international ideas into dialogue.”

“The ‘Let’s Talk’ series is an essential step in expanding the discourse on contemporary art and culture beyond Kochi, creating meaningful exchanges throughout Kerala. We are grateful to the tourism and cultural departments and to our many collaborators who have believed in the vision of the biennale. We look forward to nurturing this dialogue together, ensuring art remains at the heart of public engagement.” KBF President Bose Krishnamachari said.