Mala to host first leg of Landmark Cultural Initiative
Mala, 19th December 2024: The KEKKEYELLAM Foundation has announced the launch of the India-South KoreaArt Exchange Project 2024, a cross-cultural initiative aimed at strengthening artistic collaborationand fostering creative dialogue between the two nations. The first phase of the event will be heldfrom December 20 to 27, 2024, at the picturesque Giby Farm in Mala, Kerala. The second phase isscheduled for April 2025 in Jeonju, South Korea.
The exchange will bring together 20 prominent visual artists—10 each from India and South Korea—representing diverse generations and artistic practices. Over a week-long retreat in Kerala, the artists will draw inspiration from the state’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and traditions, creating works that celebrate artistic and cultural synergy.
Cultural Dialogue Through Art
The India-South Korea Art Exchange Project seeks to highlight the transformative power of art infostering cross-cultural understanding. Artists will explore Kerala’s iconic landmarks in Mala, Kodungalloor, and Thrissur, and participate in immersive experiences, including performances of traditional Indian art forms such as Kathakali and Bharatanatyam. The event will also provide a platform for the artists to engage with Kerala’s culinary heritage and scenic landscapes. The initiative aligns with the Museum of Art WooMA’s Asia Axis Project, a programme that strengthens artistic solidarity across Asia. By creating collaborative spaces for contemporary artists,
the exchange is expected to deepen cultural ties between India and South Korea while addressing shared artistic values and traditions.
Community Engagement and Artistic Growth
The programme also prioritises community involvement, with artists interacting with local school students through workshops and collaborative activities. This effort reflects the KEKKEYELLAM Foundation’s dedication to promoting art education and nurturing young talent at the grassroots level.
Vision for a Global Artistic Retreat
KEKKEYELLAM Foundation aims to make the India-South Korea Art Exchange Project an annual event, establishing Giby Farm as a cultural retreat for both visual and performing artists. The initiative builds on the Foundation’s history of impactful projects, including the Indo-Bangladesh Art Project (2023), Indo-Vietnam Art Project (2022), and the National Charity Exhibition for Kerala flood victims (2018).
