Isaac bats for heritage protection, larger canvas for Kochi-Muziris Biennale

Kochi: Calling for stronger protection of heritage spaces and a broader cultural vision, former finance minister T M Thomas Isaac on Saturday urged govt to safeguard historically significant venues and expand the scale of Kochi-Muziris Biennale.After visiting biennale, Isaac expressed disappointment that the entire Aspinwall premises was not part of this edition. Inclusion of the full venue, he said, could nearly triple the scale of the exhibition and significantly enhance its overall impact and visitor experience.Stressing that heritage sites must be prioritised for cultural and public use rather than commercial trade, Isaac said biennale evolved into a globally recognised platform that introduces audiences to major international art trends. A majority of visitors he encountered were from outside Kerala, reflecting the event's widening national and international appeal, he noted.Kerala, he said, requires similar large-scale cultural platforms not only for visual arts but also for cinema, music and dance. "Vibrant cultural spaces play a crucial role in reinforcing state's secular and inclusive identity while also strengthening its creative economy," he added."Investment in such initiatives should be viewed as a long-term developmental strategy rather than mere expenditure," Isaac said, emphasising the need for public support for cultural infrastructure.