Students’ Biennale opens in Mattancherry, giving young artists a national platform

The Students’ Biennale 2025 has officially opened in Mattancherry, Kochi, offering young artists from across India a national platform to showcase their creativity and engage with contemporary art practices.

Venue:
VKL Warehouse, Mattancherry, along with four other spaces (Arthshila Kochi, BMS Warehouse, St. Andrew’s Parish Hall, and Space Gallery).

Organizers:
Conceived as an educational initiative of the Kochi Biennale Foundation (KBF), running alongside the sixth edition of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KMB).

Scale:
Features works by students from 175 government art colleges across India, mentored by co-curators and artist collectives.

Theme:
Part of KMB’s edition titled “For The Time Being”, which includes projects by 66 artists and collectives from 25+ countries.

Leadership:
Inaugurated by Bose Krishnamachari, President of KBF, who emphasized the importance of exposing students to global art practices.

Student Voices:
Laishram Membi Devi, an art student from Odisha, shared her excitement about exhibiting for the first time, calling it an “enriching experience.”

Why It Matters
The Students’ Biennale bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world art practice, giving emerging artists visibility in India’s largest contemporary art festival. It also fosters collaboration between students, educators, curators, and international artists, strengthening India’s cultural landscape.