Kochi: With the pandemic showing no signs of abatement in Kerala, the Kochi Biennale Foundation has decided to move the opening of the fifth edition of Kochi-Muziris Biennale to November 1, 2021.

“Over the past few months, the Kochi Biennale Foundation has been discussing the COVID-10 situation with our stakeholders. We have decided to move the opening of the Biennale to November 1, 2021. We expect that circumstances by then would be conducive for visitors, artists, staff, and others for a safe and complete Biennale gathering,” read an official statement.

The Kochi-Muziris Biennale is an international exhibition of contemporary art held in the city of Kochi in Kerala, India. It is the largest art exhibition in the country and the biggest contemporary art festival in Asia.

Alongside the exhibition the Biennale also offers a rich programme of talks, seminars, screenings, music, workshops and educational activities for school children and students.

In view of the travel restrictions, the fourth edition of the Students' Biennale has been re-structured to take place online, and the programme towards the online opening on 21/2/21 has commenced under the leadership of five curator-mentors, viz. Adip Dutta, Archana Hande, Manoj Vyloor, Suresh K Nair, and Vasudha Thozhur.

The Art By Children activities have also been adapted as a Learning at Home programme, with exercises that encourage children to engage creatively with our present circumstances.

The Foundation's educational workshops for young practitioners have also moved online, including the graphic fiction workshop with Sarnath Banerjee.

The fifth edition titled 'In Our Veins Flow Ink and Fire' is curated by Singapore artist and writer Shubigi Rao.