Curated by renowned artist Nikhil Chopra with HH Art Spaces, an artist-led organisation based out of Goa, the
biennale will run for 110 days, from December 12, 2025, through March 31, 2026.
The Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KMB) is set to return for its sixth edition, titled “For the Time Being,” running for 110 days from December 12, 2025, to March 31, 2026. Organized by the Kochi Biennale Foundation (KBF), this year’s event will be curated by renowned artist Nikhil Chopra and HH Art Spaces, a Goa-based artist-led organization.
The biennale will move beyond a traditional, singular exhibition to become a “living ecosystem,” where every element shares space, time, and resources, growing in dialogue with one another. This unique approach will feature a comprehensive program including talks, performances, workshops, and film screenings. The event will also incorporate key verticals such as the Students’ Biennale, Invitations, Art By Children, the Residency Programme, and the Collateral.
Curatorial Vision: Art as a Living Ecosystem
According to the curatorial vision released by Nikhil Chopra, the sixth edition will embrace “process as methodology” and use “friendship economies” as its foundational structure. This vision aims to resist the pressure of a conventional art spectacle, instead shaping a responsive and evolving experience.
The inquiry for this biennale begins with the body – viewed as a landscape of time, a vessel of labor, joy, and loss. The biennale invites a deeper awareness of being, exploring how embodied histories and shared memories can shape a more caring and conscious future. By focusing on the historical port city of Kochi, the event seeks to engage with emerging global perspectives while staying rooted in its local context.
Chopra’s curatorial approach will prioritize “liveness” and “presence.” The 110-day event will feature durational works, performances, and conversations that blur the lines between process and presentation, inviting audiences into embodied, participatory moments that challenge the idea of a static exhibition.
Dr. Venu V, Chair of the Kochi Biennale Foundation, noted the event’s growing stature and its ability to attract both celebrated and emerging artists. “We have introduced important organizational changes… and are confident that the sixth edition will be a grand success, offering a dynamic experience for both commoners and connoisseurs.”
Bose Krishnamachari, President of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, highlighted Nikhil Chopra’s emphasis on durational performances, which he believes will be a key feature of this edition. He stated that the event will introduce visitors to an immersive atmosphere with site-responsive installations and abundant opportunities to engage with artists and fellow enthusiasts.
The full list of participating artists for the biennale is scheduled to be announced in October.
