Kochi Muziris Biennale, facing a huge funds cruntch, today received a helping hand from Malayali businessman Yusuff Ali M A, who promised to donate Rs 50 lakh for this edition and Rs one crore in the next edition.
The Managing Director of EMKE LuLu Group of companies, based in UAE's capital city of Abu Dhabi, made the announcement after his visit to biennale venue Aspinwall today.
Ali has also offered a part of the International Convention Centre, when the work is completed, as the next biennale venue.
"The biennale is not the obligation of the government alone", said Yusuff Ali, who has a big presence in the retail sector in the Middle East and in Kochi under the Lulu brand. "People around the world know about this art exhibition and it a pride of Kerala. It is the responsibility of businesses and of the people to support it."
The businessman, who holds several government positions, said that the youngsters of a UAE royal family had visited this edition and London-based businessman Lakshmi Mittal had asked him if he had visited the first biennale.
"The controversies that get discussed endlessly in Kerala do not help anyone," he said. "This is a positive event that is talked about around the world, attracts tourists and creates jobs.
