Culture is all about supporting artists, writers, musicians, says Arundhati Roy

Arundhati Roy’s recent reflections at the Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2025 beautifully capture her vision of culture as a collective act of support and solidarity.

Key Highlights from Her Statement
- Art beyond commerce:
Roy emphasized that the Biennale is not corporate-sponsored or commercialized, giving space for artists to exhibit without being judged by market value.

- Political depth in art:
She praised Kulpreet Singh’s film at Anand Warehouse, calling it “moving and dangerous,” because it tackled politics—something she believes art must confront.

- Kerala’s role:
Walking through Fort Kochi and Mattancherry, she expressed pride in her Keralite identity, noting that the Biennale thrives thanks to state support and the openness of local communities.

- Diversity & coexistence:
She highlighted the unique mix of Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Jews, Communists, and people from across India and the world, coexisting without threat or commercialization.

- Her broader philosophy:
Roy sees culture as revolving around supporting artists, writers, musicians, and those who bring their stories to life.

Context
- Roy grew up in Aymanam, Kottayam, a place immortalized in her Booker Prize-winning novel The God of Small Things (1997).
- She recently released her memoir Mother Mary Comes to Me, about her mother Mary Roy.

Her words remind us that culture isn’t just about consumption—it’s about nurturing creativity, diversity, and dialogue.