Kochi: In keeping with its status as a banking pioneer, the South Indian Bank has become the first private bank to join hands with the Kochi Biennale Foundation (KBF), pledging Rs 1 crore to support the upcoming Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2016.
A ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ formalising South Indian Bank’s status as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partner to the Foundation was signed today between its Managing Director Shri V.G. Mathew and KBF President Shri Bose Krishnamachari at the Taj Gateway Hotel here. The first tranche of the donation was handed over at the event.
It is apt that a bank that was founded in Thrissur in 1929 during the Swadeshi movement should officially join hands with India’s biggest contemporary art event just as the country celebrates its 70th year of independence. The third edition of India’s only Biennale begins on December 12, 2016, and runs till March 29 next year.
“It is a matter of pride for all of us that the Kochi-Muziris Biennale has been recognized as a highly acclaimed event internationally. The project speaks volumes of the vision and determination of its founders and patrons,” Mathew said.
“It is indeed a matter of prestige for South Indian Bank to be associated with Kochi- Muziris Biennale 2016 under its CSR initiative. Based out of the cultural capital of Kerala, we have been associated with numerous cultural initiatives especially in the state of Kerala. But the scale and sweep of Biennale is of a different class altogether. We take this opportunity to wish Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2016 a grand success,” he added.
The function saw attendance from South Indian Bank Executive Vice President (Administration) Shri Thomas Joseph K., General Manager Shri T.J. Raphael, Joint General Manager Shri N.J. Reddy, Deputy General Manager Shri Jose Manuel and Assistant General Manager Shri A.A. Thomas. KBF Secretary Riyas Komu and trustees V. Sunil and Bonny Thomas were also present at the signing.
“Art and culture brings together social responsibility and an aesthetic rejuvenation. I would like to welcome and thank South Indian Bank’s contribution to building an aesthetic ecosystem and its generosity and patronage to encourage the KBF,” Krishnamachari said.
Noting the importance of forging such links, Komu said, “South Indian Bank's partnership with the Kochi Biennale Foundation comes at a time when art patronage and encouragement is needed more than ever. Their trust in us will help the Foundation do more to broaden public access to art and to ensure this homegrown Biennale continues to be considered one of the best in the world. But more than that, South Indian Bank is making a valuable cultural investment that is true to its pioneering history.”
