The sixth Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KMB), India’s largest contemporary art festival, begins Friday with the flag hoisting at Aspinwall House, Fort Kochi, at noon. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the show later at Parade Ground. The festival runs for 110 days, ending on March 31, 2026, and is organised by the Kochi Biennale Foundation (KBF). This time, the festival spans 22 venues and 7 collateral events, moving beyond the usual single central spot. Alongside Fort Kochi and Mattancherry, a new venue on Willingdon Island is included, reachable via Water Metro, ferry, or road. Goa-based artist Nikhil Chopra and his HH Art Spaces collective curate this edition, themed ‘For the Time Being’. Chopra explains, “This edition of KMB is oriented around the body as a bearer of memory and materiality. The ‘body’ extends metaphorically into Kochi’s landscape, built on human and non-human movements.” The show displays work from 66 artists and collectives across 25 countries. The biennale also features exhibitions like Invitations, Students’ Biennale, Art by Children, and Edam. The Students’ Biennale at VKL Warehouse in Mattancherry includes projects from over 175 art institutions nationwide. Durbar Hall in Ernakulam hosts ‘Of Worlds, Within Worlds,’ a solo exhibit by Gulammohammed Sheikh, curated by Rubina Karode. Other highlights include ‘Six Stations of a Life Pursued,’ a photography installation honoring the late Vivan Sundaram at Cube Art Space, and an Island Mural Project bringing art into public spaces. Before the flag ceremony, a Thayambaka recital by chenda artist Margi Rahitha Krishnadas will take place. The inauguration evening will feature a concert by Shanka Tribe, with singers Neha Nair, Resmi Satheesh, and Shahabaz Aman, plus performances by participating artists Mónica de Miranda, Zarina Muhammad, and Mandeep Raikhy. KMB president Bose Krishnamachari said, “The expanded venues, new formats and partnerships underline our responsibility to nurture artistic freedom and public engagement.” Chairperson Venu. V. noted the event is scaled up with improved organisation. The biennale promises vibrant art and lively experiences for visitors across Kochi for the next 110 days.