KOCHI:
Applauding the coming-together of two iconic Kerala institutions, Minister for Local Self Governments Dr K.T. Jaleel inaugurated ‘Varayude Penma’, a unique collaborative effort between the Kochi Biennale Foundation and Kudumbasree, here today.
The initiative will see 42 Kudumbasree workers – selected on the basis of artistic talent from acr
oss the state – participate in a four-day workshop from January 14-17 over which they will receive instruction and encouragement from professional artists and guided tours of Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KMB) 2016 venues.
Speaking at the evening function in Aspinwall House, Fort Kochi, Dr Jaleel said, “The Biennale facilitates the introduction of our traditional culture to the outside world while Kumbasree is a model institution that has paved the way for a large number of women to leave constricted spaces at home to step out into the world. This programme will let the creative impulses of the participants gain exposure on an international platform.”
Noting that Kudumbasree had been responsible for growing sense of self-realisation among women, the Minister said, “It is when this self-realisation occurs that a society progresses. This initiative, which sees the participation of women from the most backward communities in the state, will elevate us into a higher cultural positioning.”
Prior to the inaugural ceremony, the Minister took in a drawing session organised by the KBF’s Art by Children (ABC) art education outreach initiative for about 40 students from a Kudumbasree-run bridge school in Attappadi.
“Art should be grown from the home and it should be part of our day-to-day conversations. Kudumbasree is the best medium for the growth of art at home. This tie-up with Kudumbasree also reflects the democratic nature of the Biennale,” said Shri K.S. Sabarinathan MLA, who was present at the function.
The event, which was also attended by Division Councillors Smt. Shiny Mathew and Smt. Zeenat Rashid, saw KBF Secretary Riyas Komu gave the vote of thanks. Kudumbasree Programme Officer Smt. Amrita G.S. delivered the welcome address. KBF President Bose Krishnamachar
i and ABC Programme head Manu Jose were also present at the function.
“The Biennale has proved that art is democratic. The four-day training sessions will help the Kudumbasree participants tap into their innate creativity. The Biennale will be a medium to help promote art in every household through Kudumbasree, which is a first of its kind women’s empowerment model,” Komu said.
“Varayude Penma is a platform to revive the artistic talents in otherwise marginalised women, which will allow them to set up a canvas for themselves,” Amrita G.S. said.
