Former Minister Advocates for Enhanced Heritage Protection and Cultural Expansion
In a significant address from Kochi, former finance minister T M Thomas Isaac has issued a compelling call for stronger protection of heritage spaces and a broader cultural vision. Speaking on Saturday, Isaac urged the government to prioritize safeguarding historically significant venues while simultaneously expanding the scale and impact of the renowned Kochi-Muziris Biennale.
Disappointment Over Limited Venue Utilization
After personally visiting the biennale, Isaac expressed clear disappointment that the entire Aspinwall premises was not incorporated into this edition of the exhibition. He emphasized that including the full venue could potentially nearly triple the scale of the event, dramatically enhancing both its overall artistic impact and the visitor experience for attendees from across India and internationally.
Heritage Sites for Cultural Use, Not Commerce
Stressing a fundamental principle, Isaac asserted that heritage sites must be prioritized for cultural and public use rather than commercial trade. He highlighted how the Kochi-Muziris Biennale has evolved into a globally recognised platform that introduces diverse audiences to major international art trends and contemporary artistic expressions.
"A majority of visitors I encountered were from outside Kerala," Isaac noted, pointing to the event's widening national and international appeal that brings cultural and economic benefits to the region.
Call for Broader Cultural Infrastructure
Isaac articulated that Kerala requires similar large-scale cultural platforms not only for visual arts but also for cinema, music, and dance. He explained that vibrant cultural spaces play a crucial role in reinforcing the state's secular and inclusive identity while simultaneously strengthening its creative economy through tourism and artistic innovation.
Cultural Investment as Development Strategy
Perhaps most significantly, the former minister framed cultural investment as essential long-term planning. "Investment in such initiatives should be viewed as a long-term developmental strategy rather than mere expenditure," Isaac declared, emphasizing the critical need for sustained public support for cultural infrastructure that benefits both community identity and economic growth.
His remarks underscore growing recognition that protecting heritage spaces while expanding cultural platforms like the Kochi-Muziris Biennale represents not just cultural preservation but strategic investment in Kerala's future as a creative and inclusive society.
