KOCHI-MUZIRIS BIENNALE Impact Assessment Study- Report May 2017
CONTENTS
Study conducted and presented by: Vidhya Mohankumar | Architect & Urban Designer, Chennai
Introduction • Scope of study • Methodology • Limitations Kochi-Muziris Biennale and the Rise of the Creative City Kochi-Muziris Biennale Impact Areas • Socio-cultural Impact • Economic Impact • Impact on the physical form of the City Conclusion Recommendations Acknowledgments
INTRODUCTION
‘
Innovative cities of the coming age will develop a creative union of technology, arts and civics.
India
Kerala
Kerala
Ernakulam
,
Sir Peter Hall, renowned geographer and authority on the economic, demographic, cultural and management issues facing cities
Ernakulam District Kochi
INTRODUCTION Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KMB) is India’s first biennale for contemporary art. Its first edition spanned 96 days from 12th December 2012 till 17th March 2013. The next two editions- KMB 2014 and KMB 2016- commenced on the same date as the first one. Both editions lasted a duration of 108 days.
that also sought to outlast the duration of the biennale in its intent and relevance. In other words, KMB 2016 questioned traditional boundaries that categorize the various disciplines of artistic expression by including not only visual artists but also poets, musicians and performance artists from diverse cultural and artistic traditions.
The inaugural 2012 edition was thematically aligned to freedom of speech and social activism while also drawing on the reading of Kochi’s cosmopolitanism character.
In essence, over three editions, the idea of community and social engagement have been carefully infused within the curation. But there is so much more to the KMB story.
The next edition in 2014 cited two historic currents from the 14th to 17th century—the maritime explorations of the Age of Discovery and the astronomical propositions made by the Kerala School of Astronomy and Mathematics- as it drew upon gestures of deliberation across space and time.
This independently-produced report attempts to capture the wide-reaching impact of the three editions of the KochiMuziris Biennale that have transpired.
The curatorial approach for 2016 was a conversation between different forms and approaches to art practice with works
It is a first attempt to capture Kochi’s rise as a creative city... a city that is emerging as a forerunner in writing its story of economic growth by leveraging the power of the creative economy. It is the story of progress through cultural infusion. It is the story of a place where art can flourish.
4
5
Vallarpadam
Vypin Ernakulam Fort Kochi & Mattancherry
Wellington Island
APPROACH AND SCOPE OF STUDY Quintessentially, the study examines the impact of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale on the city of Kochi as a whole. It also acknowledges that the maximum impact is absorbed by the immediate environs of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry. The framework for impact assessment is explored and presented under three heads• • •
Socio-cultural impact Economic impact and Impact on the physical form of the city
The findings of the study are also presented in this report under these three heads with analysis from a mixture of quantitative and qualitative data. The concluding section of the report summarizes key findings from all three heads. Measuring socio-cultural impact is a challenge in itself not only because of its intangibility but because it needs to be examined further through multidimensional values such as social, historic, symbolic, aesthetic, spiritual and educational. In order to do this, street-talking and multiple surveys were conducted with different stakeholder groups- local residents, visitors to the biennale, KMB volunteers and artists. The many inquiries tried to capture the changing perceptions of various groups in the context of the three biennale editions. In addition, the various programmes of the Kochi Biennale Foundation were also studied for this impact story through qualitative interviews with individuals who manage these programmes. Economic impact was assessed through a more traditional approach of on-ground surveys of businesses in Fort Kochi and Mattancherry as well as meetings with various government departments for statistical data. Secondary research
6
7
Fort Kochi
methods were also employed. Primarily, data was collected and organized under the following sectors• • • • • •
Hospitality sector Tourism sector Retail business sector Service based business sector Real estate sector Transportation sector
The collected data was then analyzed for intersections and parallels to decipher a larger narrative for Kochi.
Mattancherry
The physical form of a city is a reflection of its social and economic systems and any change in the social and economic framework of the city is bound to impact its physical form as well. The study therefore also examines these changes to the built environment of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry to recognize any emerging trends. With regard to the geographical scope, the primary research component of the study has been conducted in Fort Kochi and Mattancherry while the secondary research explored the impact of the biennale across a much wider geography with Kochi as the fountainhead.
LIMITATIONS Over the course of the study, a set of limitations were encountered in the process of data collection. While there has been an effort to normalize this in the representation of data and the framing of a narrative, it is imperative to summarize them here for the reader.
OVERLAP WITH TOURIST SEASON The Kochi-Muziris Biennale overlaps with much of the prime tourist season which runs from November to March. As a result, while they were able to give cumulative
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9
figures, it was difficult for the various sectors that were part of the economic impact narrative to distill and attribute exact numbers to the biennale. The attributions presented in this report are therefore only guesstimates.
LACK OF DATA WITH SOME GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS With the case of government departments that were contacted for the purpose of this study, all of them willingly shared any available data that was requested. There were however a few instances where a genuine confession was made that such data was not collected and hence could not be given.
NON-DISCLOSURE ON THE PART OF SOME BUSINESSES & VENDORS Approximately 40% of the local businesses in Fort Kochi and Mattancherry provided incomplete data for surveys especially with regard to monetary figures.
INCOMPLETE DATABASE OF VOLUNTEERS FROM 2012 AND 2014 EDITIONS The outcome of the volunteer surveys was affected by the lack of a full available database of contact information for volunteers from past editions of KMB. As a result, data was collected through limited existing personal networks.
SKEWED DISTRIBUTION OF VISITOR SURVEY DATA Two-thirds of the visitor survey data was collected in person during the closing week of the 2016 edition of KMB. This was because the study itself was commissioned only that week. The remaining one-third was collected through online surveys which also brought in perspectives of people who had attended previous editions.
LIMITED ARTIST RESPONSE FOR SURVEY There was a limited response from participating artists of the three biennale editions for the artists’ survey which sought to capture both the sociocultural as well as economic impact of art productions in Fort Kochi and Mattancherry. While the economic impact of art productions was normalized with financial data from the Kochi Biennale Foundation, the assessment of the sociocultural impact of artist engagement suffered marginally from the limited responses.
Visitors to the 2014 edition of Kochi-Muziris Biennale studying an installation.
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KOCHI-MUZIRIS BIENNALE AND THE RISE OF THE CREATIVE CITY
KOCHI-MUZIRIS BIENNALE AND THE ‘THIRD PLACE’ PHENOMENON Renowned sociologist Ray Oldenberg pioneered the concept of a ‘third place’ in his book ‘The Great Good Place’ published in 1989. Oldenberg delineates the third place as a local hub, a community centre or a home away from home but which most importantly fulfils the function of being a necessary zone, outside of one’s home and workplace, for one’s expression, connection and growth. It is a place where people get together for no other purpose except the joy of being there. The best third places are also free or inexpensive, do not discriminate and are easy to get to. By extension, third places are also the best places because they are great levellers. And by that definition, there is enough evidence to say that the
14 15
Kochi-Muziris Biennale has created a third place not just for Kochi but for a far reaching global community. The biennale is accessible to the general public and has no criteria for admission or exclusion as is evident from the global profile of visitors to the biennale. A visitor survey conducted for this study had 60% of all respondents stating that the biennale offered something for all ages. 54% visitors were male and 45% were female. The 2016 edition was visited by members of Queerala, a support group for the LGBTQIA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual) community in Kerala as part of their campaign demanding more such public spaces that are SOGI (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity) inclusive. In another instance, students of the Cottolengo Special School at Fort Kochi spent a day out at the biennale in December 2016... again, because they could do so. And lastly, the ABC Canopy ensured that kids visiting the biennale had the most memorable experience some of them even getting a chance to learn from artists who were exhibiting at the biennale. At a biennale venue, it is neutral ground for everyone and a guarantee of an exchange that is simultaneously vibrant, colourful, and engaging.
#KochiIsOursToo AndSoIsBiennale
Members of Queerala, a support group for the LGBTQIA in Kerala at KMB 2016.
Children being enthralled by a performance at the ABC Canopy at Aspinwall House.
Students of the Cottolengo Special School at Fort Kochi had their tryst with contemporary art during their visit to the Biennale in December 2016.
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Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2016 had visito
Source: Visitors’ Survey conducted for this study; March-April 2017
ors from 36 countries apart from India.
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Source: Visitors’ Survey conducted for this study; March-April 2017
89% of the respondents for the Visitors’ Survey conducted for this study came from India.
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Age Split
<16
16-25
25-40
40-60
>60
Kochi Residents
Domestic Tourists
Source: Visitorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Survey conducted for this study; March-April 2017
International Tourists
Ratio of Female Visitors
Ratio of Male Visitors
Source: Visitorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Survey conducted for this study; MarchApril 2017
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How did you find out about Kochi-Muziris Biennale?
News 38.52%
Social Website 20.15%
Source: Visitorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Survey conducted for this study; March-April 2017
Friends and Family living in Kochi 29.16%
Professional KMB Network Website 3.99% 5.39% Friends outside Other Kochi 1.6% 1%
Residents of Kochi
Social Website 25.03%
Friends and Family living in Kochi 15.60%
Professional Network 20.8%
Friends and Family living outside Kochi 12.09%
News 18.14%
KMB Website 6.29%
Other 2.05%
Domestic Tourists
Friends and Family living outside Kochi 24.72%
Social Website 9.55%
By Chance 8.99%
News 6.18%
KMB Website 6.18%
Friends and Family living in Kochi 22.47%
Professional Network 18.54%
International Tourists
Other 3.37%
Reasons to attend Kochi-Muziris Biennale
To enjoy/learn about Art 55.89%
Source: Visitorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Survey conducted for this study; March-April 2017
To get inspired/ intellectually stimulated 49.1%
Vacation/ leisure 16.17%
Professional Reasons 10.98% To meet School/ Friends College 5.19% trip 3%
Residents of Kochi
To get inspired/ intellectually stimulated 61.06%
Professional Reasons 21.28%
Vacation/ leisure 18.74% To enjoy/learn about Art 52.96%
School/ To meet College Friends trip 4.23% 5.32% Other 1.81%
Domestic Tourists
To get inspired/ intellectually stimulated 55.62%
To enjoy/learn about Art 42.7%
Vacation/ leisure 36.52%
Professional Reasons 23.6%
To meet Friends 7.3% Other 3.37%
International Tourists
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How will you rate the Kochi Biennale on the following parameters? Residents of Kochi It is an interesting concept There is a good variety of content The quality of artworks on display is good The presentation and graphics are good The choice of venues is interesting It offers something to all age groups It is a well organised event The overall experience is good 10% 20% 30% 40% Yes
Source: Visitorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Survey conducted for this study; March-April 2017
Maybe
50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% No
International Tourists
Domestic Tourists
10% 20% 30% 40% Yes
Maybe
50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% No
10% 20% 30% 40% Yes
Maybe
50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% No
In its organizational setup too, KMB discards hierarchy in the nature of interaction among artists, visitors, volunteers, organizers and crew thereby allowing the expansion of possibilities for creative output. It is an equal work environment that functions out of mutual respect for what each one brings to the table for the show to go on. The strong approval ratings from the volunteer survey are testimony to the positive experience of volunteers at the biennale.
Artist Bob Gramsma and his crew setting up his installation at Aspinwall House while working alongside local contractors and KMB volunteers.
Experience Rating - Interpretor
I learnt/experienced what I sought out to learn
I learnt things outside of my interest area
I felt I could input into processes and decisions
I feel proud to have worked with KMB
KMB has a great deal of personal meaning to me
I felt like part of family working with KMB
I feel satisfied with the induction I received for my role I would like to volunteer in the future KMB editions
I will recommend my friends to volunteer in future KMB editions
10%
Strongly Agree
Agree
20%
30%
Neither agree nor disagree
40%
50%
Disagree
Source: Volunteersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Survey conducted for this study; April 2017
60%
70%
80%
Strongly Disagree
90%
100%
Experience Rating - Volunteer
I learnt/experienced what I sought out to learn
I learnt things outside of my interest area
I felt I could input into processes and decisions
I feel proud to have worked with KMB
KMB has a great deal of personal meaning to me
I felt like part of family working with KMB
I feel satisfied with the induction I received for my role I would like to volunteer in the future KMB editions
I will recommend my friends to volunteer in future KMB editions
10%
Strongly Agree
Agree
20%
30%
Neither agree nor disagree
40%
50%
Disagree
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Strongly Disagree
Source: Volunteersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Survey conducted for this study; April 2017
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Third places often incorporate activities that aid and encourage conversation and may even evolve around them. In 2015, in a show of solidarity for Tamil writer Perumal Murugan, whose novel “Mathorubaagan” (One Part Woman) came under attack from intolerant groups, the Kochi Biennale Foundation organised a mass reading of the book at Aspinwall House. Perumal Murugan was present on invitation as were others who felt the need to voice their opinion in favour of freedom of expression such as NS Madhavan (writer), Simon Britto (CPM leader and writer), TN Joy (activist), Kamal (filmmaker), Reghunadhan K (artist), Shahabaz Aman (music composer and singer), Shibu Chakravarthy (lyricist and screenwriter), Bijibal (music director) and many more.
Mass reading of writer Perumal Murugan’s novel “Mathorubaagan” (One Part Woman) at Aspinwall House in January 2015.
However, at KMB, the notion of providing a space for conversation runs much deeper. The inaugural edition of the biennale, curated by Bose Krishnamachari and Riyas Komu touched upon difficult themes pertaining to acceptance, tolerance and inclusivity through the diverse profiles of artists whose work was chosen for display. Subsequent editions have only reinforced the idea of using the biennale as a space for unbridled creative expression that is also socio-culturally relevant.
Artistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; profiles across the three editions
No. of artists who exhibited work at KMB
KMB 2012
No. of countries represented (where artists live & work)
KMB 2014 KMB 2016
No. of artists living and working in Kerala who exhibited
No. of artists living and working in India who exhibited
10
20
30
40
50
Source: Kochi Biennale Foundation records; Accessed April 2017.
60
70
80
90
100
Kochi-based artist Jalaja at work for KMB 2012.
In summary, by nurturing a third place, Kochi-Muziris Biennaleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s collective endeavours are wellaligned to make Kochi a repository for emerging ideas and ideologies which can eventually create different histories that will define the city from this point onwards. The creative city has indeed been birthed.
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KOCHI-MUZIRIS BIENNALE IMPACT AREAS
Children Students Artists Household Surveys Visitor Surveys Volunteer Surveys Artist Surveys Qualitative interviews News Archives Kochi Biennale Foundation records
Volunteers Visitors Local residents of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry Patients at the Government General Hospital Residents of Gothuruth Marginalized communities
SOCIO-CULTURAL IMPACT
Fort Kochi & Mattancherry
Ernakulam
Kerala
The socio-cultural impact of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale was assessed through the lens of different individual stakeholder groups spread across various geographies. A range of methods were employed to extract information pertaining to these stakeholder groups that could point to a socio-cultural impact. For instance, household surveys were conducted to get a sense of how KMB adds value to the lives of the residents of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry whereas visitor surveys tried to capture how it contributes to Kochiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reputation as a destination for contemporary arts and some aspects of the artist and volunteer surveys investigated the possibility for cultural exchange through artistic collaborations. This section is presented through a series of infographics that were derived from various methods of data collection as well as highlights of various programmes of the Kochi Biennale Foundation and is organized under the different geographies represented by the various stakeholder groups to elucidate the scales of impact.
India
Diagram showing stakeholder groups that were assessed for socio-cultural impact, the geographic contexts they represent and the methods that were used for assessment. World
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Impact level_01 FORT KOCHI & MATTANCHERRY
Distribution of households in Fort Kochi and Mattancherry who were part of the survey
Kunnumpuram 32%
Calvathy Road Area 14%
Njaliparambu 12%
Chirattapalam 4% Mattancherry 12% Fort Nagar 4%
Pattalam 16% Other 4%
Parade Ground 2%
Source: Household Survey conducted for this study; April 2017
Household surveys were conducted in various neighbourhoods of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry to find out what the perceptions of the local residents were towards the Biennale.
Roughly 50% households that were interviewed had not visited the Biennale but those who had visited reported a very positive experience that they were more than willing to talk at length about.
Which edition did you attend?
40%
20%
KMB 2012
60%
KMB 2014
80%
100%
KMB 2016
Source: Household Survey conducted for this study; April 2017
25% of the household survey respondents had attended all three editions of the biennale. Who accompanied you?
10%
Friends
20%
Family
30%
40%
50%
Alone
Source: Household Survey conducted for this study; April 2017
44 45
80% of the household survey res as a place for social gathering... a and friends. Only 14% used the f
spondents treated the biennale a place to be visited with family free pass. 46 47
Reason to visit Biennale Curiosity To enjoy Art For leisure Other 10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
Source: Household Survey conducted for this study; April 2017
Did you know about other KMB programmes?
20%
10% Yes
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
No
Source: Household Survey conducted for this study; April 2017
Did you participate in other KMB programmes?
20%
10% Yes
30%
40%
50%
No
Source: Household Survey conducted for this study; April 2017
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
What was your experience like at KMB? I learnt something new It had something for all age groups It had good variety of content The venues are interesting This is good for Kochi I will attend future editions 10%
Yes
Maybe
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
No
Source: Household Survey conducted for this study; April 2017
98% of the household survey respondents stated that hosting the biennale in Kochi was a positive thing for the city. 96% said they will surely attend future editions. 48 49
Impact level_02 ERNAKULAM ARTS + MEDICINE The Arts + Medicine programme conceptualized by the Kochi Biennale Foundation focusses on the idea of using therapeutic music to provide solace to patients. Musical performances happen every Wednesday at the Government General Hospital in association with Mehboob Memorial Orchestra and Lakeshore Hospital and Research Centre Limited.
No. of editions so far: ~170
Arts+Medicine musical performances at the Government General Hospital.
Adorning the walls of the Government General Hospital with art work; also part of the Arts+Medicine programme.
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for the people in â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Even distress and agony, a musical performance is like a drop of water in the desert which gets absorbed as soon as it reaches the ground. KBF has made that possible.
,
P R Murali, noted flautist
CHAVITTUNATAKAM- REVIVING LOST ART FORMS KMB’s engagement with Gothuruth began even before the opening of the 2012 inaugural edition with the promise of erecting a statue of Chinnathambi Annavi the 16th century founder of Central Kerala’s dance drama ‘Chavittu Nadakam’ as a gesture to revive the fading art form. Subsequently, chavittunatakam performances have been a regular feature on the KMB events schedule.
The annual Chavittu Nadakam festival ‘Chuvadi’, organised by Gothuruth island’s Sports and Arts Club.
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Impact level_03 KERALA ART BY CHILDREN (ABC)
ABC Outreach, powered by Merck and supported by the Department of Education-Government of Kerala, is a pioneering creative learning initiative designed by the Kochi Biennale Foundation to evolve the current paradigms of arts education in India. The programme aims to transform public,
professional and political understanding and attitudes, so that families, schools, workplaces and other learning institutions prioritize and generate creative capacities. So far, the ABC Programme has conducted 100 in-school workshops across Kerala. For older children (7th std) workshops run by visual artists and theatre experts engage children in an exciting new model of learning and expression. For younger children (4th std) special performances, exercises in storytelling and folk craft are run by theatre and art professionals who specialise in childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s programming.
Kasargod
Kannur
Wayanad Kozhikode
Malappuram
Palakkad
Thrissur
Ernakulam
Idukki Kottayam
Alappuzha
No. of workshops conducted: 100 No. of participating schools: ~100 No. of student participants: ~5000 No. of faculty involved: 26 No. of teachers trained: ~100
Pathanamthitta
Kollam
Trivandrum
Source: Kochi Biennale Foundation records; Accessed April 2017.
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ABC GALLERY A selection of the work produced through the ABC programme was displayed at the ABC Gallery at Aspinwall House during the 2016 edition of KMB. This is also Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first art exhibition of this scale to showcase the work of children.
ABC CANOPY The ABC Canopy is an open air space, located under a crop of mango trees within Aspinwall House with an open invitation to children of all ages to create art in response to their experience of contemporary art at the Kochi-Muziris Biennale. Equipment is provided throughout the duration of the biennale and many exhibiting KMB artists also stopped by to interact with the children. The canopy also hosted various on ground engagements, including workshops on story telling, talks for kids with curator Sudharshan Shetty and KBF President Bose Krishnamachari and other programmes specially conceived for children.
Chief Minister of Kerala, Shri. Pinarayi Vijayan visiting the ABC Gallery at Aspinwall House.
Drawing sessions at the ABC Canopy in Aspinwall House during KMB 2016 and the Pavilion at Aspinwall House during KMB 2014. 56 57
37% of the household survey respondents stated that they are likely to encourage their children to be more engaged with arts related fields after the biennale experience.
How likely are you to encourage your children to be more engaged with arts related fields based on the biennale experience? Very likely Somewhat likely 10%
20%
Source: Household Survey conducted for this study; April 2017
30%
40%
50%
60%
Workspace of aspiring young artist, Almas Fatima - a 13 year old from Fort Kochi, who had participated in the ABC programme. Image captured during household survey conducted for this study.
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Impact level_04 INDIA STUDENTS’ BIENNALE In 2014, the first Students’ Biennale was conceptualized by the Kochi Biennale Foundation, in collaboration with the Foundation for Indian Contemporary Art (FICA) and Foundation for Indian Art and Education (FIAE) as an international platform to showcase works of BFA and MFA students in India. It was put together with the collective effort of 15 young curators who visited various institutions across the country and created an exhibitory framework for students from these institutions to display their works in parallel to Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2014. In 2016, with support from Tata Trusts and a more structured approach, the Students’ Biennale became truly concomitant to the Kochi-Muziris Biennale itself. The revamped programme and the 15 young curators were introduced and announced at the ‘State of Art Education: Reality and Prospects’ conference held in Kochi in November 2015. The conference sought to create a network amongst the various stakeholders in Indian art education. The Students’ Biennale essentially reaches out to government art colleges across the country and aims to capitalize on the global Biennale platform to energise art schools and art production across the country. The programme brings together art pedagogy, art practice, exhibition methodologies and art school structures with an added emphasis on training young curators as much as reaching young art students and affecting change in art institutions.
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The â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;State of Art Education: Reality and Prospectsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; conference held in Kochi in November 2015 during which the curators of the Student Biennale 2016 were also announced.
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Biennale exposed stu ‘Students’ working and opened up many
An interview with Vidya Shivadas, Director of FICA revealed that the Students’ Biennale experience threw light on the increasing interest in working and engaging with students from artists, curators and others from the art world. She felt that the channels of collaboration are more present now than ever and conjectures that the slowing down of the markets may be a possible reason for wanting to feel more connected with the community. Nevertheless, she is certain that the Students’ Biennale had students feeling more inspired as a result of the exposure they received by interacting with experienced artists and curators. Shivadas also believes that the experience created shifts in their learning processes and methodologies by exposing them to different interdisciplinary and collaborative approaches of working. She also stated that by the end of the engagement students were more communicative and willing to work with their peers without any inhibitions.
Curators’ workshop- An intensive workshop for the 15 curators to collate research, highlight common conclusions from individual curatorial interventions and to plot the basic exhibition.
,
udents to different methods of avenues for collaboration. Vidya Shivadas, Director of FICA.
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2014 edition
Source: Kochi Biennale Foundation records; Accessed April 2017.
No. of participating colleges: 36 No. of student participants: 120 No. of curators: 15 No. of venues: 1
2016 edition
No. of participating colleges: 54 No. of student participants: 487 No. of curators: 15 No. of venues: 7
Source: Kochi Biennale Foundation records; Accessed April 2017.
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ARTISTS’ CINEMA Artists’ Cinema, the film programme of Kochi-Muziris Biennale, showcases video art films, documentaries, and feature films from across the world curated by filmmakers and film scholars. The first edition of Artists’ Cinema was put together by 12 curators with 163 films screened over a period of 100 days during KMB 2014. The 2016 edition of Artists’ Cinema had 9 curators and several institutional collaborations such as Forum Expanded of Berlin International Film Festival, LuxScotland, and National Film Archives of India among others. Aside from bringing world class cinema to Kochi, Artists’ Cinema has also been a path breaking programme in the way that it has brought attention to various marginalized groups through its choice of film screenings.
founders of KMB â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The have always been helpful and welcoming to the community. Moreover, movies like Ka Bodyscapes and Velutha Rathrikal, which address issues in our community, were screened recently at the Biennale.
,
Jijo Kuriakose, Founder of Queerala, an online space for sexual minorities in Kerala.
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The outcome of the project was a student exhibition as part of KochiMuziris Biennale 2012. Students picked for this programme represented Sir J. J. Institute of Applied Art, Mumbai, Fine Arts Faculty at MS University, Baroda, Sarojini Naidu School of Fine Arts, University of Hyderabad and IIT Mumbai.
YOUNG RESIDENCY PROGRAMME The two-week Post-Graduate residency programme is meant for young artists who wish to continue their education in art, understand their individual practice, and articulate themselves in the art-world. The residency is limited to artists who practise painting, drawing, photography and new media. The residency aims to create a space for young artists to work in a collaborative environment, to encourage individual development of creative skills, and facilitate a free and open exchange of ideas and knowledge of contemporary art practices. Participants are also encouraged to collaborate with each other and with the local community on a public art projects in the Vagamon area where the residency programme is hosted. As a precursor to the Young Residency programme, the first edition of KochiMuziris Biennale hosted a programme in which 28 students from art colleges in the country were selected for a research trip from with the aim of building up awareness of contemporary art practice and also give them the opportunity to work with site specific issues. It gave students the opportunity to work as a collective or individual, to explore issues relevant to present day art education in India.
No. of residency batches so far: 5 No. of artist residents: 28 No. of mentors per edition: 1
At the Paravur Synagogue, higher education students from various art colleges in India on a research trip with Bonny Thomas, Kochi Biennale Foundation trustee and Padmini, Head of Education and Outreach, prior to the first edition of Kochi-Muziris Biennale.
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MASTER PRACTICE STUDIOS Master Practice Studios, conceived as part of the Kochi Biennale Foundationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s arts education programme, is a series of art workshops intended to establish spaces for intensive learning and exchange among students of art and professional artists. Nurtured by experienced artists of various media, Master Practice Studios creates opportunities not only for practical learning but also for conversations and collaborations that contribute to the development of aesthetic sensibilities among young artists. The first edition of Kochi Biennale Foundationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Master Practice Studios which took place at Pepper House offered workshops in four media, each led by a master artist and had 14 participants. The second edition was held at Lulu Mall in Ernakulam. This was open to public and garnered a participation of over 300 people.
72 73
Impact level_05 GLOBAL ARTISTIC EXCHANGES AND ENGAGEMENTS Artistic exchanges and engagements are central to the nature of biennales around the world. Sometimes even extending influence on diplomatic/ international relations between countries. KMB too has its share of stories on that front. Art councils and embassies of over 20 countries have endorsed and supported the Kochi-Muziris Biennale so far and artists representing more than 50 countries have shown their work at the biennale. A survey conducted for this study also showed that close to 50% of these artists engaged with Kochi in some form or the other for their production. Apart from the cultural exchange that plays out when artists engage with the locale of the biennale, there is the ‘stage’ aspect of the biennale that allows artists a global exposure when they exhibit their work. This is evident from the fact that various luminaries of the art world have been drawn to visit the Kochi Biennale, such as Catherine David, Deputy Director, National Museum of Modern Art, Centre Georges Pompidou, Paris, and former curator of Documenta; Jay A. Levenson,
Director, International Programmes, Museum of Modern Art, New York; Tony Conner, publisher of the international magazine ArtForum; Katya García-Antón, Director, Office for Contemporary Art Norway; Eungie Joo, curator of the 12th Sharjah Biennale and Okwui Enwezor, artistic director of the 56th Venice Biennale. The international audience led to two Kerala-based artists to exhibit their work at two international biennales- C. Unnikrishnan, who was selected to display his work at the CSI Bungalow during KMB 2014 exhibited at the 12th Sharjah Biennale and K.M. Madhusudhanan, who also showcased 65 charcoal drawings at KMB 2014 was invited to participate in the 56th Venice Biennale. In another kind of exchange, worldrenowned installation artist Anish Kapoor’s ‘Descension’ which was first displayed at Kochi-Muziris Biennale subsequently travelled to Galleria Continua in San Gimignano, and later to a solo exhibition at Versailles. This year it also opened in Brooklyn, New York as a public space intervention.
Reasons for visiting Kochi
For Art work Production
For Art work Installation/ De-installation
As a performer
To see the Biennale
57.14%
75%
25%
32.14%
Source: Artists’ Survey conducted for this study; April 2017
Artists’ engagement with Kochi
Availed the services of someone from Kochi for the production of art work Engagement with Kochi for art work
72.73%
46.43%
Collaborated with someone from Kochi
27.27% Drew on some aspect of Kochi through its residents for the production of art work
36.36%
Source: Artists’ Survey conducted for this study; April 2017
Subodh Gupta’s research trip to Kottappuram Fort Excavation Site, Muziris Heritage Project.
74 75
Scotland Canada
Norway
T
UK
Belgium France Switzerland Italy Spain Slovenia
USA
Mexico
Algeria Cuba
Nigeria
Brazil
Chile Argentina
Map showing countries that have been represented by artists who exhibited at Kochi-Muziris Biennale.
Finland
Russia
Sweden
Latvia The Netherlands Germany Poland
a
Austria Hungary
Serbia
Albania
Israel Saudi Arabia
Japan
Lebanon Palestine
China
Afghanistan
S. Korea
Iran
UAE
Pakistan
Taiwan Bangladesh
Vietnam
Singapore
Australia S. Africa
New Zealand
76 77
Internationally acclaimed artist Anish Kapoor’s ‘Descension’ recently opened in Brooklyn, New York. ‘Descension’ was first displayed at Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2014, following which it travelled to Galleria Continua in San Gimignano, and later to a solo exhibition at Versailles. Photo by James Ewing, Public Art Fund, NY © Anish Kapoor, 2017
The biennale allows us to see whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going on internationally, to be part of a larger conversation. The atmosphere helps you. Sosa Joseph, Kochi-based artist who exhibited at KMB 2012 78 79
PEPPER HOUSE RESIDENCY PROGRAMME The Pepper House Residency programme is an international residency opportunity for artists from all disciplines to work and collaborate within a studio space situated at the Pepper House, Fort Kochi. The space of the Pepper House Residency consists of extensive studio facilities (for production), the Laboratory of Visual Arts library (for research), and the Pepper House cafe (for dialogue). The residency is structured on the idea of a three-dimensional approach to creativity in which the idea of artistic practice is supported by its two necessary extensions â&#x20AC;&#x201C; public interaction and inquiry.
No. of residency editions conducted so far: 2 No. of artist residents: 25
80 81
TALKS AND SEMINARS Talks and seminars by a range of exceptional people, including the Biennaleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s participant artists, historians, writers, curators, and activists are organized both during the biennales and in-between. This initiative is part of a larger ideology of creating a space not just for presenting art but also for encouraging thought and conversation around the realities that surround our lives. The talks and seminars are open to anyone.
No. of talks so far: ~100
82 83
OTHER EDUCATION AND OUTREACH PROGRAMMES Apart from the signature programmes of KBF, the Kochi Biennale has hosted many groups of students from schools and colleges from around the world. From school students visiting to find out what contemporary art is to art and architecture students visiting on study tours to learn about different facets of the biennale, the biennale has seen many a young face light up on such visits.
In addition, prior to the inaugural edition of the biennale, an outreach programme was also organized wherein a team from KMB visited various schools in Kerala to introduce the kids to contemporary art and what a biennale is.
The KMB Educational Outreach team at Rajagiri Public School, Kalamassery before the first biennale.
A group of 15 architecture students from the University of Kent travelled to Kochi on a study trip to research Kochi-Muziris Biennale and visit Biennale sites prior to the inaugural edition in 2012.
Every biennale edition has witnessed a significant number of young attendees whether accompanied by family or as part of a school or college field trip.
84 85
VOLUNTEERS AT KMB For each edition of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, a crop of volunteers are selected from a list of applicants who become a part of the organisation for the duration of the Biennale. Volunteers typically commence work about two weeks prior to the start of the biennale and stay on till it ends. Some end up staying longer to help with de-installation of art works. Volunteers have a chance to be involved in various departments of the Foundation i.e. programmes, documentation, editorial, administration, or production teams, depending on each person’s area of interest. Typically, volunteers have come from different parts of the country but the 2016 edition saw volunteers from around the world as well. Over the three editions, from learning various skills to interacting with the artist community to understanding what it takes to host a biennale, volunteering at KMB has been a process of self-discovery for many individuals. Those already involved in the arts find it to be a most enriching experience and those not involved in the arts have more than often found the confidence to pursue their artistic side. Some have even been absorbed into the Foundation’s full-time work force. The most life-changing example was however that of one volunteer from KMB 2012 who was inspired enough to take a bold step and undergo gender transformation.
Gender ratio of volunteers
Male
Female
Source: Volunteers’ Survey conducted for this study; April 2017
Volunteer roles Volunteer
Interpretor
93%
7%
Source: Volunteers’ Survey conducted for this study; April 2017
Reasons to volunteer at KMB To learn about Art
To learn about art production To interact with Artists
To network with people in the Art sector To learn about event organisation/management For leisure
Other 5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
50%
55%
60%
Source: Volunteersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Survey conducted for this study; April 2017
86 87
was one of the most â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Itinspiring stints of my life as I was able to meet and interact with many renowned artists and noted personalities. That time period, perhaps, also motivated me to take this bold step of transforming my gender from male to female.
,
Aditi Achuth, KMB 2012 Volunteer
88 89
33% found jobs in the arts sector after the volunteering experience. 20% of volunteers who previously worked in other fields have moved to jobs in the arts sector after volunteering with KMB. 50% said the volunteering experience contributed positively to their career trajectory.
90 91
Occupation before vs. after working with KMB
Student: Arts related course
Student: Other field
Work: Arts related
Work: Other field
Looking for employment: Arts related
Looking for employment: Other field
Others
5%
10%
Occupation before working with Kochi-Muziris Biennale Occupation after working with Kochi-Muziris Biennale
Source: Volunteersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Survey conducted for this study; April 2017
15%
20%
25%
30%
Skills developed as a result of working with KMB Leadership
Team Working
Communication
Organisation
Production / Installation skills
Interpersonal Skills
Research and Evaluation
Working in the creative sector
Working with artists and curators
Technical Skills
Maintaining venues and handling venues
General work skills 1
Volunteers
2
3
4
5
Interpretors
Source: Volunteersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Survey conducted for this study; April 2017
92 93
VISITORS AT KMB Visitor experience to the Kochi-Muziris Biennale was assessed through a questionnaire and an overwhelming majority of responses reveal that in more than one way the biennale has been a delightful experience across all ages. The increasing global profile of visitors is also testimony to its universal appeal. Similar to the KMB volunteers, many visitors too find ways to connect with their artistic side after a visit to the Biennale and almost definitely come back for more.
37% of the visitors who were sur editions and were returning base
rveyed had attended previous ed on past experience. 94 95
What is your opinion on the impact of the biennale?
1 India should host more such events 2 I became aware of a new culture/art which was not known to me previously 3 It is great that this is taking place in Kochi 4 I think more positively of Kochi and India as a result of this experience 5 I will visit Kochi again based on this experience
1 2 3 4 5 10%
20%
30%
40%
Residents of Kochi
50%
60%
Strongly Agree
Agree
50%
60%
Strongly Agree
Agree
50%
60%
Strongly Agree
Agree
70%
80%
Neither agree nor disagree
90% Disagree
100% Strongly Disagree
1 2 3 4 5 10%
20%
30%
40%
Domestic Tourists
70%
80%
Neither agree nor disagree
90% Disagree
100% Strongly Disagree
1 2 3 4 5 10%
20%
International Tourists
30%
40%
70%
80%
Neither agree nor disagree
90% Disagree
100% Strongly Disagree
Source: Visitorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Survey conducted for this study; March-April 2017
96 97
â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;
The arts have been an insepara indeed, we depend on the arts of our humanity. We value them we do, we believe knowing and to the healthy development of That is why, in any civilization inseparable from the very mea know from long experience tha educated who lacks basic know
able part of the human journey; s to carry us toward the fullness m for themselves, and because d practicing them is fundamental f our children’s minds and spirits. - ours included - the arts are aning of the term ‘education.’ We at no one can claim to be truly wledge and skills in the arts.
,
National Standards for Arts Education, Kennedy Centre, USA
98 99
ECONOMIC IMPACT Economic impact was assessed through data collected and analyzed under the following sectors• • • • • •
Hospitality sector Tourism sector Retail business sector Service based business sector Real estate sector Transportation sector
As anticipated, sectoral-level data revealed interdependencies through a ripple effect in its economic impact. For instance, opening up of new air travel sectors among domestic carriers brought in people from say Kolkata and Jaipur, cities that previously suffered from poor connectivity to Kochi. This allowed tour operators to include Kochi in the tourist circuit more easily and thereby bring in more income for local tourist attractions and businesses. The Kerala Government’s promotion of the biennale on its website and during road shows also helped draw domestic tourists’ attention to Fort Kochi as an alternate destination focussed on contemporary art. In effect, each sector corroborated the findings from the others while decoding the economic impact storyline. Vitality and viability is the key to successful town and city centres. Vitality is a reflection of how busy a place is at different times and in different parts. Viability is a measure of its capacity to attract investment for maintenance, improvement and adapting to changing needs. Overall, the analysis on economic impact reveals that much like its record in the past Kochi is realigning its economic strategy with great prowess. This section on economic impact is presented as a series of infographics derived from surveys, data collected from various government departments and secondary data collection methods, grouped under the various themes that emerged from the analysis.
100 101
BOOSTING LOCAL ECONOMIES More than 200 local businesses comprising home stays, hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops and many more were surveyed in Fort Kochi and Mattancherry as part of this study. Vendors were also surveyed as a separate category. Overall, 67% of the local businesses and 78% of vendors stated that the biennale helps bring in additional income. Homestays emerged as the single largest category under nature of business and 35% of all homestays in Fort Kochi and Mattancherry were opened in the last 5 years. 95% of all homestays are owned by Kochi residents thus indicating a new business opportunity that had opened up for the local populace. Visitor and artistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; survey data also revealed that homestays and hotels in Fort Kochi were a preferred option for more than 50% respondents. The artistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; surveys also indicated a boost to the local economy in terms of the number of days spent in Kochi, local expenses incurred and value of services availed from Kochi-based businesses for the art production. Likewise, visitorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; survey data threw up figures in terms of place of stay and duration of stay while visiting the biennale as an indication of spends that fed the local economy. Volunteer stipends which were again intended for daily expenses ran upto 50 lakhs for the 2016 KMB edition. By and large, business owners who had been around for more than 10 years did not see a huge shift in clientele from the biennale as compared to newer businesses. In addition, businesses that were enterprising enough to align their business strategies to capitalize on the KMB footfall reported to have performed much better.
With regard to the service sector, the Kochi Biennale Foundation records revealed that a significant amount of the KMB budget goes back into the local economy in terms of services availed for venue preparation, electrical works, housekeeping, security and loading/ unloading of shipments.
Vendors on Calvathy Road and near the Vypin jetty attributed 75% and 50% of their daily income to the biennale respectively.
Distribution of vendors in Fort Kochi and Mattancherry who were part of the survey
Calvathy Rd Area Bazaar Rd/Mattancherry River Rd Area Near St. Francis Church Near Nehru Park Near Vypin Jetty 5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
Source: Vendorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Survey conducted for this study; March 2017
Calvathy Road Nehru Park Area River Rd Area Near St. Francis Church Bazaar Road/ Mattancherry
100m 0m
500m
1000m
102 103
Do you sell different goods to cater to the crowd during the biennale?
No
Yes
Source: Vendors’ Survey conducted for this study; March 2017
Do you move closer to a biennale venue to capitalize on the Biennale’s footfall when it happens?
Yes
No
Source: Vendors’ Survey conducted for this study; March 2017
104 105
~ 10% of vendors set up shop exclusively during KMB and shut when it ends. How long have you been vending? 0-1 Year 1-2 Years 2-5 Years 5-10 Years >10 Years 5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
Source: Vendorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Survey conducted for this study; March 2017
Do you feel the Biennale helps your business? Calvathy Rd Area Bazaar Rd/Mattancherry River Rd Area Near St. Francis Church Near Nehru Park Near Vypin jetty 10%
Yes
20%
30%
No
Source: Vendorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Survey conducted for this study; March 2017
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
What percentage of your income do you attribute to the biennale? Calvathy Rd Area Bazaar Rd/Mattancherry River Rd Area Near St. Francis Church Near Nehru Park Near Vypin jetty 10% 0-25%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
50-100%
Source: Vendorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Survey conducted for this study; March 2017
106 107
Distribution of local businesses in Fort Kochi and Mattancherry who were part of the survey Calvathy Rd Area Princess St Area Kunnumpuram Jn. Parade ground Area Bazaar Rd/Mattancherry Pattalam Rd Area Njaliparambu Jn. Area KB Jacob Rd Area Near Nehru Park Thamaraparambu Area 5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
Source: Local Businessesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Survey conducted for this study; March- April 2017
Calvathy Road Princess St. Area Parade Ground
Kunnumpuram Jn. Njaliparambu Jn. Pattalam Rd Area Bazaar Road/ Mattancherry
100m 0m
500m
1000m
Calvathy Road
16.35%
6.15%
Princess Street
26.42%
57.14%
Kunnumpuram Jn. area
8.2%
6.12%
Parade ground area
8.8%
14.29%
Bazaar Rd/Mattancherry
2.5%
4.08%
Pattalam Rd Area
2.5%
4.08%
12.58%
6.12%
KB Jacob Rd & Fort Nagar
6.3%
2.04%
Nehru Park
4.4%
Thamaraparambu Area
8.18%
Njaliparambu Jn. Area
Business owners who are originally from Kochi
Business owners who have migrated from other places to Kochi
Source: Local Businessesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Survey conducted for this study; March- April 2017
108 109
Nature of Business
General Stores
Tourist/Souvenir
Hotel
Homestay
Restaurant
Tour Operator
Clothing/Tailoring
Spices/Essential Oils
Others
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
Source: Local Businessesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Survey conducted for this study; March- April 2017
60%
70%
80%
Nature of Business filtered by ownership
General Stores
Tourist/Souvenir
Hotel
Homestay
Restaurant
Tour Operator
Clothing/Tailoring
Spices/Essential Oils
Others 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% Business owners who are originally from Kochi Business owners who have migrated from other places to Kochi
Source: Local Businessesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Survey conducted for this study; March- April 2017
110 111
Age of the Business
0-1 Year
1-2 Years
2-5 Years
5-10 Years
>10 Years 20%
30%
40%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Business owners who are originally from Kochi Business owners who have migrated from other places to Kochi
Source: Local Businessesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Survey conducted for this study; March- April 2017
Do you feel the Biennale helps your business? Yes
Business owners who are originally from Kochi Business owners who have migrated from other places to Kochi
69.18%
Yes 61.22%
Source: Local Businessesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Survey conducted for this study; March- April 2017
Maybe
No
23.27% 7.55%
Maybe 32.65%
No 6.12%
22% of the business owners earn twice as much per day during the biennale.
112 113
Kochi residents own 95% of all homestays. 35% of all homestays opened for business in the last five years. No. of homestay accreditation applications filed since January 2013 in Fort Kochi and Mattancherry- 65 40 of these applications have been approved. Source: District Tourism Promotion Councils (DTPC), Ernakulam and Local Businessesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Survey conducted for this study; March- April 2017
Other
2 weeks
1 week
3-5 days
1-2 days
Duration of stay- Visitors
5%
10%
Domestic visitors
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
50%
International visitors
Place of stay- Visitors Hotel/Homestay inside Fort Kochi/Mattancherry
43.21%
Hotel/Homestay outside Fort Kochi/Mattancherry
11.01%
With Friends / Family
Other
80.11%
7.73%
40.52% 7.73%
5.27% 4.42%
10% Domestic visitors
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
International visitors
Source: Visitorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Survey conducted for this study; March-April 2017
114 115
Duration of stay- Artists I am a resident of Kochi 1-2 days 3-5 days 1 week 2 weeks More than 2 weeks 5%
10%
15% 20%
25%
30%
35%
10%
20%
30% 40%
Place of stay- Artists Hotel/Homestay inside Fort Kochi/Mattancherry Hotel/Homestay outside Fort Kochi/Mattancherry With friends and family Other
Source: Artistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Survey conducted for this study; April 2017
50%
60%
70%
Domestic tourists stay for 1-2 days. International tourists stay for 3-5 days. Most artists typically stay for 2 weeks when they visit Kochi for biennale related work. More than 50% of all KMB visitors stay in hotels/ homestays in Fort Kochi and Mattancherry. 116 117
Average local expenses per artist KMB 2012
KMB 2014
KMB 2016 INR 40,000
INR 80,000 INR 1,20,000 INR 1,60,000 INR 2,00,000 INR 2,40,000
Total local expenses for all artists per edition KMB 2012
89 artists
KMB 2014
94 artists
KMB 2016
97 artists
INR40,00,000
INR80,00,000
INR1,20,00,000
Source: Kochi Biennale Foundation records; Accessed April 2017.
INR1,60,00,000 INR2,00,00,000
118 119
Size of crew involved for KMB art production Just myself 1-2 member crew 3-5 member crew 5-7 member crew 7-10 member crew >10 member crew 2%
4%
6%
8%
10%
12%
14%
16%
18% 20% 22% 24% 28%
Source: Artistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Survey conducted for this study; April 2017
120 121
Expenses for biennale-related services availed in Kochi
INR 4,53,000
INR 5,27,000
INR 6,99,000
Housekeeping
INR 22,00,000
INR 29,00,000
INR 31,90,000
Security
INR 38,00,000
INR 53,00,000
INR 31,23,000
Loading/ unloading
KMB 2012
KMB 2014
KMB 2016
Source: Kochi Biennale Foundation records; Accessed April 2017.
122 123
Venue preparation
INR 57,94,000
INR 1,02,00,000
INR 1,19,58,000
Electrical works
INR 18,57,000
INR 27,77,000
INR 69,20,000
KMB 2012
KMB 2014
KMB 2016
Source: Kochi Biennale Foundation records; Accessed April 2017.
124 125
Multiple sites were restored to b All translating to financial benefi
Roof repair works at Aspinwall House.
become venues for the biennale. fits for the construction industry.
Repair works at Pepper House, a historic spice trading godown with Dutch style clay roofs and a large courtyard, once used to store goods for loading onto ships anchored in Kochi harbour. Pepper House provides Kochi-Muziris Biennale with 16,000 sq ft of exhibition space and artist residency studios.
126 127
STRENGTHENING THE MOVEMENT ECONOMY
The 2016 edition of KMB saw a footfall of approximately 600,000 people. This translates to 1200,000 trips taken using various modes of transport- walking, auto-rickshaws, buses, trains, ferries and flights to get to the biennale venues and back. The assessment for the transport sector therefore involved visiting various transportation service provider offices and official websites to collect data on the revenue generated from these trips as well as secondary research from news archives. Auto-rickshaw drivers were rather unenthusiastic to participate in a survey and did not reveal much information except that they managed a few extra rides between various biennale venues.
Kochi to Chennai, Vijayawada, Hyderabad, Bhubaneshwar, Kolkata and Guwahati along 4 different routes citing â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;clearing summer rushâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; as a reason. Again, it is unsure what percentage of these train tickets can be attributed to the biennale.
With regard to air travel, Cochin International Airport saw passenger traffic of 8,940,000 during the 2016-17, compared to the 7,750,000 passengers during the previous year. There was an increase of 7.7% in the number of international travellers and a 26% rise in domestic passenger traffic. Popular carriers like Indigo, Spicejet and Jet Airways added extra flights to Kochi in 2016 in anticipation of demand. Cochin International Airport occupies the fourth position in the country in terms of international passengers followed by Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru. In total, twenty-four airlines, both international and domestic, have their operations in Kochi. While all this cannot be entirely attributed to the Kochi biennale, based on the visitor surveys conducted for this study, it can be argued that the biennale has indeed helped to popularize Kochi as a destination for domestic tourists; 89% of visitors from the survey came from Indian various cities.
Airport bus ridership data was skewed because the bus carried a majority of passengers who used it for regular commute along the bus route. It was therefore difficult to separate out the passengers who exclusively used the bus to commute from the airport to Fort Kochi.
News archives on railway services revealed that additional services were run between March 3rd and 28th connecting
Ferry ridership data was procured from the State Water Transport Department in Ernakulam but did not reveal a clear data pattern that could be linked to the biennale traffic. Nevertheless, the State Water Transport Department did state on record that they deployed additional service boats on holidays and weekends to bring visitors to the biennale as they felt that during such days there was a spike in traffic.
With regard to roadways, the only operational toll road connecting Fort Kochi and rest of Ernakulam is the Kumbalam toll. While vehicle count data was procured from the NHAI offices for this toll booth, there are many alternative routes that can be taken to reach Fort Kochi and many other destinations that can be reached via this toll. The procured data however revealed a sharp drop in November 2016, possibly attributed to demonetization and a sharp rise in December, possibly attributed to Christmas, New Year and the Kochi Biennale collectively.
Cities connected to Kochi via Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s popular carriers
Kochi
Jet Airways Indigo Airlines Spicejet Airlines
128 129
â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;
Most of the passengers flying directly from Jaipur and Kolkata can be attributed to increase the tourist footfall more than any other factor.
,
Chandrakumaran Nair A., CIAL Airport Director
Kumbalam Road Toll data since September 2015
5,50,000
5,00,000
4,50,000
4,00,000
3,50,000
3,00,000
2,50,000
2,00,000
1,50,000
1,00,000
50,000
Total Toll Count
Jan-2017
Dec-2016
Nov-2016
Oct-2016
Sep-2016
Aug-2016
Jul-2016
Jun-2016
May-2016
Apr-2016
Mar-2016
Feb-2016
Jan-2016
Dec-2015
Nov-2015
Oct-2015
Sep-2015
7,00,000
Car
Source: Procured from Ernakulam NHAI office in April 2017
130 131
Ferry routes to and from Fort Kochi
Ernakulam
Vypin
Fort Kochi
Island
Mattancherry
the end of December â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Towards when there was heavy rush ow
New Year and Christmas celeb extended and an additional boa traffic.
,
Ferry ridership since 2012-13 for the months of December, January, February and March 16,00,000 15,00,000 14,00,000 13,00,000 12,00,000 11,00,000
10,00,000 9,00,000 8,00,000
7,00,000 2012
2013
December
January
2014 February
2015
2016
2017
March
Source: Procured from State Water Transport Department, Ernakulam in May 2017
and beginning of January wing to the Biennale as well as brations, ferry services were at was deployed for easing the M Sujith, SWTD traffic superintendent.
132 133
REINFORCING TOURISM
Statistical data from the Tourism Department shows that Ernakulam and Kochi have been in the list of top 10 tourist destinations of Kerala for many years now. As a general trend too, domestic tourists have been on the rise and are increasingly choosing to visit Kochi in December as opposed to the summer season break in May. The Mattancherry Palace remains to be the largest crowd-puller in Ernakulam with a sharply increasing footfall over the years. However, as per many news sources, the 2016 biennale edition has been credited with salvaging the tourist economy after a slump caused by various national and state level measures. The visitor survey conducted for this study revealed that 38% of respondents were visiting Kochi for the first time.
First visit to Kochi Domestic Tourists 32.79%
International Tourists 62.98%
Source: Visitorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Survey conducted for this study; MarchApril 2017
First visit to Kochi-Muziris Biennale Kochi Residents 40.8%
Domestic Tourists 59.37%
Source: Visitorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Survey conducted for this study; March-April 2017
International Tourists 47.76%
Domestic and Foreign Tourist Arrivals to Kerala since 2003
1,40,00,000 1,30,00,000 1,20,00,000 1,10,00,000 1,00,00,000 90,00,000 80,00,000 70,00,000 60,00,000 50,00,000 40,00,000 30,00,000 20,00,000
Domestic Tourists
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
10,00,000
Foreign Tourists
Source: Kerala Tourism Statistics 2015, Kerala Tourism Department - accessed via internet in May 2017.
134 135
Month Wise arrival of Domestic Tourists to Kerala since 2009
15,00,000
14,00,000
13,00,000
12,00,000
11,00,000
10,00,000
9,00,000
8,00,000
7,00,000
6,00,000
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
Source: Kerala Tourism Statistics 2015, Kerala Tourism Department - accessed via internet in May 2017.
2015
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
5,00,000
2016
Month Wise arrival of Foreign Tourists to Kerala since 2009
1,50,000 1,40,000 1,30,000 1,20,000 1,10,000 1,00,000 90,000 80,000 70,000 60,000 50,000 40,000 30,000 20,000
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
10,000
2016
Source: Kerala Tourism Statistics 2015, Kerala Tourism Department - accessed via internet in May 2017.
136 137
Domestic Tourist arrival to destinations in 2015
Guruvayur Kochi City Thiruvananthapuram Kozhikode City Kovalam Wayanad Munnar Kumarakam Muzhuppilangad Kollam Parassinikkadavu Thekkady Alappuzha Fort Kochi Varkala 400000
800000
1200000
1600000
Source: Kerala Tourism Statistics 2015, Kerala Tourism Department - accessed via internet in May 2017.
2000000
Foreign Tourist arrival to destinations in 2015
Kovalam Kochi City Fort Kochi Thiruvananthapuram Alappuzha Varkala Kumarakam Munnar Thekkady Maradu 40000
80000
120000
160000
Source: Kerala Tourism Statistics 2015, Kerala Tourism Department - accessed via internet in May 2017.
138 139
District wise arrivals of domestic tourists since 2006
3000000 2800000 2600000 2400000 2200000 2000000 1800000 1600000 1400000 1200000 1000000 800000 600000 400000
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
Source: Kerala Tourism Statistics 2015, Kerala Tourism Department - accessed via internet in May 2017.
2014
Kasargod
Kannur
Kozhikode
Wayanad
Malappuram
Palakkad
Thrissur
Idukki
Ernakulam
Kottayam
Alappuzha
Pathanamthitta
Kollam
Thiruvananthapuram
200000
2015
District wise arrivals of foreign tourists since 2006
400000
350000
300000
250000
200000
150000
100000
50000
0
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
Kasargod
Kannur
Kozhikode
Wayanad
Malappuram
Palakkad
Thrissur
Idukki
Ernakulam
Kottayam
Alappuzha
Pathanamthitta
Kollam
Thiruvananthapuram
-50000
2015
Source: Kerala Tourism Statistics 2015, Kerala Tourism Department - accessed via internet in May 2017.
140 141
â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;
The arts are the best insurance policy a city can take on itself.
,
Woody Dumas, former Mayor of Baton Rouge
Footfall at Mattancherry Palace since 2012 for the months of December, January, February and March
60,000
55,000
50,000
45,000
40,000
35,000
30,000
25,000 2012
December
2013
January
2014
February
2015
2016
March
Source: Procured from ASI office at the Mattancherry Palace in May 2017
142 143
GIVING FILLIP TO THE REAL ESTATE SECTOR
Fort Kochi and Mattancherry appear to be reaping what is referred to as a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;heritage dividendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;- the economic and social benefits of conserving historic buildings and places through tourism. Qualitative interviews with lawyers and property agents revealed that there has been a steady increase of property values over the past six years. Residential rental values were also deliberately hiked during biennale season to capitalize on the short term rental requirements.
There is a 30-40% inflation of rental values during the biennale season as compared to normal rates. Property values have seen a 30% rise over the past 6 years.
Prevailing property values in Fort Kochi and Mattancherry
15-20 lakhs per cent 20-25 lakhs per cent
10-12 lakhs per cent (with vehicular access) 10-12 lakhs per cent
7-8 lakhs per cent (without vehicular access)
Prevailing residential rental values in Fort Kochi and Mattancherry 100m 0m 500m
Biennale/Season rate: 3BHK-INR 40,000 2BHK-INR 25,000 Off season rate: 3BHK-INR 20,000 2BHK-INR 12,000
1000m
Biennale/Season rate: 3BHK-INR 20,000 2BHK-INR 12,000 Off season rate: 3BHK-INR 12,000 2BHK-INR 8,500
Biennale/Season rate: 3BHK-INR 25,000 Off season rate: 3BHK-INR 15,000
144 145
IMPACT ON THE PHYSICAL FORM OF THE CITY Cities are constantly evolving as a result of the various driving forces that act on them and more so in a world where distances are shrinking. Fort Kochi is no exception. Cities, in fact, are measured for resilience based on how well they respond to the changing forces that act on them. Historically too, Fort Kochi and Mattancherry have been driven by global influences through trade relations which have been absorbed to create a unique identity for the city. It is no doubt that this legacy has contributed to its image of a multi-cultural milieu that is convivial and inclusive to one and all. In other words, Fort Kochi has always had the acumen to make the best of what comes its way through a truly symbiotic relationship. Perhaps this accepting nature is what makes it a most conducive home for the Kochi-Muziris Biennale. As co-founder, Bose Krishnamachari puts it, ‘We did not choose Fort Kochi; Fort Kochi chose itself for the biennale.’ And as Kochi’s physical fabric cocoons the biennale, the biennale too shapes the city; not in a deliberate forceful manner but in a way that could be referred to as ‘soft urban renewal’. It does so by gradually improving the environs and rehabilitating buildings without the residents having to face inconveniences. There are three discernible dimensions to the impact of Kochi-Muziris Biennale on the physical form of the city • Morphological Dimension • Visual Dimension • Perceptual Dimension This section has been presented under these dimensions.
146 147
Roof repair works at Aspinwall house.
MORPHOLOGICAL DIMENSION
The impact on the physical form of Fort Kochi which falls within the morphological dimension begins with the venues for the Kochi-Muziris Biennale itself, all of which were carefully chosen after much research. With support from the government, private patrons and local businesses, spaces were identified in Fort Kochi and transformed into venues for art. Aspinwall House, a large seafacing heritage property was restored to become the signature venue for the biennale. For most locals, as corroborated by the household surveys, the biennale and Aspinwall were not different from the other. Other KMB venues at Fort Kochi include David Hall, a restored Dutch bungalow in Fort Kochi; Pepper House, a historic spice godown; spice warehouses, heritage structures, theatres, halls and public open spaces too. Every possible kind of space was reinvented and given new identity and meaning. In mainland Ernakulam too, the 150-year-old Durbar Hall was renovated to serve as a KMB venue as if to mimic the inseparable ties that Fort Kochi has with the mainland. These restorations not only translated to economic benefits for the construction industry but also led to an appreciation of the old; opening up the imagination of the residents to the possibilities of reusing old buildings in a sensitive manner especially within the heritage zone. This model of demonstration-by-practice is a valuable contribution to Fort Kochi because as per a report published in 2013 by the Centre for Heritage, Environment and Development (an institution under the Kochi Municipal Corporation), ‘pulling down and unauthorized modifying of valuable heritage structures and public spaces’ is a major issue along with ‘unsympathetic and alien developments destroying the harmony in the heritage zones due to lack of proper development guidelines’. The examples set by the biennale venues therefore come in
as useful primers for owners of such properties with heritage value on the dos and don’ts. Hotel Ayana which opened on 6th December 2016 on Calvathy Road is the latest large scale restoration project to be realized wherein a former courthouse has been converted to an upscale hotel. As a trend, this is evident from the various emerging building uses and typologies with art galleries and homestays being more prevalent than others. New galleries like Dubai-based Art*ry have opened in Kochi and existing galleries are investing more in spaces for artist residencies. There are more homestays that have opened up since the 2012 biennale than ever in Fort Kochi. On the city scale, with the 50 crore Fort Kochi and Mattancherry Heritage Conservation project yet to be effectively implemented and a long-drawn demand for a comprehensive master plan for the heritage zone, including conservation plans for monuments and public spaces still unmet, the efforts of KMB most definitely translate to tactical urbanism - an approach to neighbourhood improvement that uses short-term, lowcost, and scalable interventions and policies to catalyze long term change. The allocation of funds for improvement of road transport prior to the start of the 2016 biennale from the Tourism Department as well as funds for street repairs prior to President Pranab Mukherjee’s visit to the biennale are proof for the catalytic effect KMB has on its physical environs. The increased dispersal of KMB venues with each edition across the fabric of the city is therefore a good sign for further such development measures. With 12 venues and 23 collateral venues, the 2016 edition raised its own bar in terms of reach and in turn, its potential to rejuvenate many more neighbourhoods across the geography of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry.
148 149
Aspinwall House, a large sea-facing heritage property at Fort Kochi, comprising of offices, warehouses and a residential bungalow, over 160,000 square feet is a primary venue for the biennale. Aspinwall House has been loaned to Kochi-Muziris Biennale by DLF Limited in association with the Gujral Foundation.
150 151
Kochi-Muziris Biennale venues across 3 editions
Vasco Da Gama Square
Aspinwall House
Beach Side Kashi Art Cafe
Cochin Club
Pepper House Molduâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Heritage
Cabral Yard
Warehouse Calvathy Jetty
Rose St. Bungalow
David Hall Parade Ground
Gallery OED
Mandalay Hall
KOCHI-MUZIRIS BIENNALE 2012
Vasco Da Gama Square
Aspinwall House
Kashi Art Gallery
Cabral Yard
Pepper House
Calvathy Jetty
Durbar Hall David Hall
100m 0m
500m
1000m
CSI Bungalow
Mohammad Ali Warehouse
Mandalay Hall
Cosmopolitan Cult
KOCHI-MUZIRIS BIENNALE 2014
100m 0m
500m
1000m
Aspinwall House
Cochin Club
Kashi Art Gallery
Cabral Yard
Map Project Space
Pepper House
Main Venues
Collateral Venues
Calvathy Jetty Durbar Hall
David Hall
Kashi Art Gallery
Anand Warehouse
Mohammad Ali Warehouse
Mandalay Hall
TKM Warehouse
KOCHI-MUZIRIS BIENNALE 2016
100m 0m
500m
1000m
With each edition, biennale venues have been increasingly dispersed across the fabric of the city. 152 153
locals, most of whom â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The are not very enthusiastic about the international art festival that happens in their locality, are pleased because of developmental activities that made life a bit more easy for them. If not for the Biennale, such works would have dragged on unreasonably.
,
Hamsa Veliyathukudy, Secretary, Mattancherry Residents Association
Total number of building permits applied and approved in Fort Kochi and Mattancherry zones since 2012
Total Permits
850
800
750
700
650
600
550
500
450 2012
Permits Applied
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
Permits Approved
Source: Procured from Zonal Office- Fort Kochi through an RTI application in April 2017
154 155
New construction, extension and regularization permits applied and approved in Fort Kochi and Mattancherry zones since 2012
New Construction 400 390 380 370 360 350 340 330 320 310 300 290
Permits Applied
2012
Permits Approved
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
Extension
170 165 160 155 150 145 140 135 130 125 2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
Regularisation
240 220 200 180 160 140 120 100 80 Source: Procured from Zonal Office- Fort Kochi through an RTI application in April 2017
60
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
Building permit applications received in Fort Kochi and Mattancherry zones since 2012
240
220
200
160
140
100
80
60 2012
Fort Kochi
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
Mattancherry
Source: Procured from Zonal Office- Fort Kochi through an RTI application in April 2017
156 157
New construction applications dropped by 15.9% in 2014 and increased sharply by 28.4% in 2016 across Fort Kochi and Mattancherry. In Fort Kochi alone, the total number of building permit applications increased by 60% in 2016. In Mattancherry, building permit applications increased by 11.46% in 2015 and by 8.09% in 2016. 158 159
VISUAL DIMENSION
Change in physical form, by default, results in a makeover for the visual dimension of a city. In Fort Kochi, a resurgence of heritage architecture possibly inspired by the biennale venue restorations has only been increasing over the years. While there are stellar examples of such architecture in older establishments such as Brunton Boatyard and Old Harbour Hotel, new establishments such as Sukhayus Wellness Centre and Hotel Ayana, both located on Calvathy road, chose to restore old buildings sensitively with various architectural elements and gestures from the region incorporated into the design. Smaller establishments too such as cafes and galleries are conscious in their aesthetic gestures. And all of them appear to uniformly believe in including some form of art into the decor. The other more direct consequence is in the casual infusion of art in public spaces. With the city and its surfaces becoming a canvas for art, the Kochi biennale inspires a creative placemaking movement at Kochi.
Street art is commonplace in Fort Kochi now.
Gulammohammed Sheikh’s installation titled ‘Balancing Act’ at Vasco da Gama Square in Fort Kochi.
On the left is an abandoned building on Calvathy road that was painted with mural art in 2014. Two years later, the building has been restored and converted into a cafe as seen on the image on the right.
160 161
Sukhayus Wellness Centre which opened recently in front of Pepper House sensitively incorporates architectural elements as well as art on its street-facing facade.
Hotel Ayana, a courthouse building on Calvathy road restored as a hotel and opened in time for KMB 2016.
162 163
PERCEPTUAL DIMENSION
A place derives its identity from three interrelated components— physical appearance, the activities it supports and meanings or symbols. While Kochi continues to draw its identity from its historic traditions of cultural pluralism, the Kochi-Muziris Biennale adds more layers to create a unique content for the city. Also, in drawing attention to Muziris, it blurs the boundaries further to create a new urban milieu that is capable of generating exciting responses while connecting with a glorious past.
‘Everyone knows us as the ‘Biennale City’ now.
,
A resident of Fort Kochi during the household survey conducted for this study
164 165
cathedrals and rocke â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Pyramids, geometry, theories of structure
because they were first a pictu of those who built them. Societ people had the perception; the the creativity that the Arts prov place we live in today.
,
Eugene Ferguson, Historian
ets exist not because of es, or thermodynamics, but ure- literally a vision-in the minds ty is where it is today because e images and the imagination; vide, to make the world the
166 167
CONCLUSIONS
This impact assessment comes in the wake of the 3rd edition of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale. The evaluation is based a combination of primary research methods comprising on-ground surveys, qualitative interviews and data collection as well as secondary research methods comprising literature and web research. The evaluation has identified 3 main themes for the impact of the KochiMuziris Biennale1. CREATING ECOSYSTEMS FOR VARIOUS ACTORS TO INCREASE VALUE ACROSS THE BOARD Kochi-Muziris Biennale attracts new and diverse audiences and brings in unprecedented national and international exposure for the city of Kochi. Through this exposure that KMB garners, it nurtures the larger arts infrastructure in the country by enabling links between organisations, driving a collaborative agenda, developing talent and capacity through residencies, job opportunities, and volunteer programmes, and various other outreach programmes. This in turn, attracts funding through patrons of art that are willing to partake in the creation of this ecosystem. Across its 3 editions so far the work of over 260 artists representing more than 50 countries has been presented. Out of these, 46% were artists who live and work in India and 10% were artists who live and work in Kerala. 70% of artists responded positively to whether participating in Kochi-Muziris Biennale allowed them to develop their body of work significantly. 61% responded positively to whether taking part in Kochi-Muziris Biennale was a good opportunity to meet and work with peers and other artists indicating a potential for future collaborative projects.
KMB also contributed positively to the careers of volunteers who associated with it. 33% found jobs in the arts sector after the volunteering experience. 20% of volunteers who previously worked in other fields have shifted career paths and found jobs in the arts sector. 95% agreed on feeling proud to have worked with the biennale and 83% stated that they would come back to volunteer again. On overwhelming 96% of local residents stated that it was a good thing that the biennale is happening in Kochi and 94% said they will definitely attend future editions. 90% said that it had good variety of content and 64% said that they learnt something new from the experience. Only 18% reported as having trouble understanding the content. In terms of its brand value, most residents remembered the biennale through specific art works that they were able to connect with. Some identified the graphics and presentation as a selling point. In addition, various groups such as children, senior citizens, special children and the LGBTQIA were able to identify with the biennale as a place of acceptance and engagement. 92% of visitors to KMB reported high levels of satisfaction with their overall experience. More specifically 97% thought it was an interesting concept and 91% said the choice of venues was interesting. 85% endorsed the organizational effort and the presentation of content. 83% lauded the quality of art works on display. The data on reasons for attending showed that KMBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s core
audience comprised of those who wanted to learn about art and be intellectually stimulated. 57% attended to be intellectually stimulated. 53% attended to learn about art. 18% attended for professional reasons. 50% were repeat visitors. This is a huge achievement considering that, as per Government of Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ministry of Culture annual report, in 2015, many of Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s government-run museums had less than 100,000 visitors each, despite offering entry tickets for locals priced at INR 20. With KMB too being a Governmentsupported initiative, it is a clear indication of the success of the format that KMB offers. 2. STRIVING FOR RESILIENCE THROUGH A CREATIVE ECONOMY The first edition of Kochi-Muziris Biennale attracted a footfall of 400,000 people and the 2016 edition saw close to 600,000 over a period of 108 days. This number is only set to increase for future editions. Visitors came from 36 countries and 89% of all attendees were from various Indian cities. While Fort Kochi in particular has been a popular tourist destination in Kerala for many years now, 38% of KMB visitors stated that this was their first visit to Kochi and the biennale was their main reason for visiting, indicating its reinforcement of the tourism economy. 22% of local business reported a doubling of income per day during the biennale. Vendors located close to Aspinwall House attributed over 50% of their income to biennale visitors and 10% of vendors
set up shop exclusively during the biennaleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 108 days. 35% of all homestays in Fort Kochi opened since the 1st edition of the biennale. Residential rental values see a spike of 30-40% during biennale season. Additional trains, flights and ferry services to and from Kochi were launched and attributed to biennale crowds. Multiple biennale venues were restored and continue to be prepared during each edition leading to direct benefits to the local construction industry. In summary, through a multiplier effect spurred by the creative industry, KMB strives to create a new economic trajectory for Kochi. This economy is responds positively to the pressures of national and state level policies, supports living and working locally, uses limited resources efficiently and is based on a community approach. This new economy is resilient because it combines the power of the arts, technology and civic engagement. 3. RENEWING THE CITYSCAPES OF FORT KOCHI THROUGH CREATIVE PLACEMAKING STRATEGIES KMB attracted a relatively diverse audience to engage with a broad range of diverse spaces across the city, including many that are not regularly open to the public such as Aspinwall House. 50% of KMB visitors stated that they think more positively about Kochi and are sure to visit again after the biennale experience. In doing so, KMB opens up the city and inspires various stakeholders to participate in the city building process whether it is through sensitive restoration of heritage buildings or introducing new typologies into old spaces.
A visual survey of the biennale environs indicates that over the years, KMB has been subject to ‘soft urban renewal’ wherein its environs and buildings have been gradually rehabilitated without the residents having to face inconveniences in their daily lives. Despite not being starkly deliberate, the various efforts of KMB most definitely translate to ‘tactical urbanism’ - an approach to neighbourhood improvement that uses shortterm, low-cost, and scalable interventions and policies to catalyze long term change. With each edition, there is pressure from the public sector to allocate funds for physical improvements to abet the boost to the tourism economy. The increased dispersal of KMB venues with each edition across the fabric of the city is therefore a good sign for further such development measures. Through its clear placemaking role, KMB is continually adding more layers to make Fort Kochi a more vibrant and livable city with a renewed identity.
‘ ‘
It is the most sincere/non-pretentious/ non-elitist biennale I’ve ever attended. Many congratulations for making it possible. Looking forward to 2018/19!
,
Well done Kochi Biennale team! You really made an impression on me. The selection of art, the locations, the organization, the hospitality. It was impressive! I will definitely aim to attend this again. It holds a special memory of India for me.
,
‘
I strongly believe that Biennale & its venues complement each other, and since the biennale has been happening for three editions, its my personal feeling that Fort Kochi and the Biennale are incomplete without the other.
,
Visitor comments received through the visitors’ survey conducted for this study
RECOMMENDATIONS
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM KMB VISITORS
An overwhelming number of visitors’ survey respondents felt that the biennale was perfect just the way it is. But even the best can improve and at least 450 respondents had very thoughtful suggestions for how the Kochi biennale can be further improved. The suggestions have been collated under specific heads and presented here. Orientation • Include an intro presentation about the biennale at the entrance. • Include more guides to explain art works. • Provide better signage at and between venues. • Provide route maps to venues with indication of time it takes to reach the venues. • Put up large scale maps with venues marked on the streets for orientation. • Include maps of venues on the KMB website. • Include self-guided audio tours. • Include an app to locate the venues and see programme schedules. Ticketing • Make tickets available at all venues. • Implement NFC ticketing system. • Include online booking for tickets and guided tours. Operations • Increase daily opening hours of the biennale. 6pm closing is too early. • Ensure all art work is installed on time. • Ensure installations are promptly fixed in the event of technical issues. • Advance the biennale to November-February. March is too hot. • Include a section that is open for a night tour. • Bring more biennales to other cities too. Venues • Provide affordable food and beverage options at venues. • Make venues disabled-friendly. • Provide more seating at venues. • Provide better ventilation at venues.
Communications and marketing • Provide more information on website about KMB programmes and events. • Include more articles in international media for the benefit of international tourists. • Include more and better merchandise. For example, postcards/small souvenirs about each artist. • Provide an online version of the biennale short guides. • Provide more prompt responses to emails. • Set up dedicated information kiosks at bus stations, ferry stations, railway stations and airports. • Include ways to engage the audience on Social Media- the Facebook page is a one sided dialogue. Outreach and educational programmes • Extend outreach to schools and colleges outside Kerala. • Explore more ways to involve the local community. • Include QR coding for artworks or links to social media handles/ websites for the artists on display. • Conduct more workshops on emerging and traditional art forms. • Disperse programmes to Ernakulam as travel to and from Fort Kochi is difficult after the last ferry service. • Conduct similar, smaller events in between biennales in other cities as a build up to the next KMB edition. • Forge collaborations with technical institutes to encourage and appreciate techno art forms. • Introduce arts appreciation programmes for general public in between biennale years. Artwork & Curation • Include more art in public spaces. • Include more interactive art especially for children. • Include more music based art installations. • Include more architectural installations. • Include more political art. • Include more performance-based art. • Include more site specific work. • Include a section on art by the specially abled. • Include a section for art by/ on marginalized sections of the society. • The idea of artists as curator should continue. • Highlight the variety of practices and approaches.
Transportation • Assist with transport options between venues. • Assist with transportation options after night events to ensure safety of visitors. • Provide shaded walkways between venues. City improvement • Use the Kochi Metro columns artistically as part of future events to inform potential visitors. • Encourage more city cleaning and beautification works for environs of Fort Kochi... Its streets, the public spaces and the beach. • Make the city attractive with murals. • Give more significance to history by expanding the venues to North Paravur and related areas so that Muziris will get more prominence.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
A big thank you to all visitors, volunteers, artists, business owners and vendors who agreed to be survey respondents. Their collective input comprised the largest data set that was crucial to understand and analyze the impact of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale. Many thanks to the following officials for their co-operation to the studyMs. Jessy, Executive Engineer, Planning Department, Corporation of Kochi Mr. Sahuji, Zonal Officer- Fort Kochi Division Mr. K. Dinesh, Site Engineer, NHAI Ms. Lissy, General Manager, Roads and Bridges Development Corporation of Kerala Ltd. Mr. Shine, Information Officer, Department of Tourism, International Boat Jetty Complex, Ernakulam Mr. Vijayakumar, General Manager, District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), Ernakulam Ms. Viji, ASI India Adv. Anthony Kureethara, Fort Kochi Vidya Shivadas, Director, Foundation for Indian Contemporary Art (FICA) From the Kochi Biennale Foundation, the following individuals deserve acknowledgment Riyas Komu, Bose Krishnamachari, Manju Sara Rajan, Treessa Jaifer, Bonny Thomas, Anju Albert, Alekha Ranjitsinh, Neha Arora, Mohammed Roshan, N.P.Kurian, Gautam Das And lastly, the report would not have been what it is without the commitment and contribution of the following individualsAbinaya Rajavelu; for support with data collation, secondary research and data visualization. Sarat Chandran; for support with data collection and community engagement at Kochi.
All images courtesy: Kochi Biennale Foundation archives and Vidhya Mohankumar. Kochi base maps courtesy: Anna Poulose.