IIA Cochin Centre Inaugurates Art Gallery and Co-working Space

kochi:
The new art gallery and co-working space of the Indian Institute of Architects (IIA) Cochin Centre, located at the Kadavanthra GCDA Shopping Complex, was inaugurated by Ernakulam District Collector G. Priyanka. The inauguration of the newly renovated office was also held on the same day.

Architect Sebastian Jose (Chairman, IIA Cochin Centre), Architect V.N. Ramachandran (Former Chairman), Architect Bineesh Kumar, and Architect Gopakumar spoke at the function.

The gallery commenced its operations with a painting exhibition by renowned architect S. Gopakumar. Distinguished artist and former Chairman of the Kerala Lalithakala Akademi, Sathyapal, serves as the curator of both the gallery and its inaugural exhibition. The new co-working space and art gallery will become an excellent venue for architects, artists, students, and the general public to gather, engage in discussions, and host exhibitions and workshops.

In Kochi, a city with a population of more than 2.1 million, there are only 7–8 well-functioning art galleries. In comparison, cities of similar size such as Pune have more than 25 galleries, Ahmedabad has over 20, and Chandigarh has more than 12. This is the first time in Kerala that a collective of architects has stepped forward to address such a deficiency. The IIA Cochin Centre, which has more than 500 architects as members, has established this new gallery within its office using its own funds.

This new initiative highlights the close relationship between urban development, architecture, culture, and art. Architect Sebastian Jose, Chairman of the IIA Cochin Centre, stated that cities are not built by buildings alone and that a major city like Kochi requires public spaces where art, design, and people can come together. He added that this gallery, created by architects for the city, reflects their commitment to Kochi. For more information, contact: 8089319796 (Architect Sharika Ravi).