In a unique initiative the Railways and the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, are planning to showcase Kerala culture through murals and artifacts at three major railway stations in the state.
According to Thiruvananthapuram divisional railway manager Rajesh Agarwal, talks are on with the Biennale organisers and the sponsors to rope in the country’s sought-after artists and curators to design the artwork at the Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam and Alappuzha Railway stations.
Agarwal said that he had spoken to the organisers of the Biennale as a first step and the organisers have expressed keen desire to showcase art at the public spaces.
“The Railways can be the best platform to showcase art. This will also be a good opportunity for the artists to promote their work. In cities like Moscow, London and Paris, this is one of the most common methods of promoting art and culture,”he said.
Jose Dominic, MD of Casino Group of Hotels(CGH) and also a sponsor of the Biennale said that authentic Kerala culture can be well displayed at the railway stations.
“Since thousands of passengers arrive and depart from the stations, it is one of the best public platforms,” he said.
He added that the state government officials as well as the local bodies would also be roped in for the project.
“Currently, there is a need to find the right kind of art curators in this regard. The best artists and their art forms depicting the respective places and cultures would also be chosen,” Dominic added.