At the Water Metro terminal in Fort Kochi, children and adults sat crafting hats from fresh coconut palm fronds. This lively workshop, called ’Olakkalari’, was part of ’Art by Children’ (ABC), a program by the Kochi Biennale Foundation (KBF). Artist John Baby led the session, showing how to weave the green strips. ABC aims to nurture creativity in children, parents, and art teachers. Since 2018, their main project, the ’Art Room’, has created safe, non-competitive art spaces in government schools. This edition covers six schools in Ernakulam, Thrissur, and Alappuzha, including schools in Kalavoor, Vypeen, and Mattancherry. Blaise Joseph, artist and ABC program lead, said, "The idea is to create a non-judgemental and non-competitive space where children can explore their inner artistic calling." He and associate Neethu K.S. coordinate workshops to train art educators. These educators learn creative, locally relevant teaching methods to make art inclusive and community-centered. The Art Room team also runs ’Kala Nila’, a network of artists and educators who see art as a space for curiosity and learning. Joseph added, "Once you take competition out of the equation, curiosity is sparked in children and they don’t feel limited in their thinking." The Art Rooms extend beyond schools into homes and communities. They have involved 120 families so far, creating shared learning spaces where adults and kids create together. The current biennale edition features two venues, the Water Metro terminal and Bastion Bungalow, hosting workshops by diverse artists. The initiative continues to spread creative energy across Kerala. Published - December 20, 2025 05:44 pm IST