Bose Krishnamachari, co-founder of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale in India, has stepped down as president of the Kochi Biennale Foundation and as a board trustee after 14 years, citing pressing family reasons. His departure will not affect the ongoing sixth edition, titled "For the Time Being," which opened last month and runs until March 31. Krishnamachari founded the biennial in 2012 in Fort Kochi, Kerala, alongside fellow artist Riyas Komu, who left in 2018 amid sexual harassment allegations.
The leadership change marks a pivotal moment for India's most internationally recognized contemporary art exhibition. Under Krishnamachari, the biennial earned acclaim for its ambitious scope, progressive politics, and community engagement, but also faced criticism over logistical issues including labor violations and fund mismanagement. The foundation has begun searching for a new president with high art-world credentials, signaling a potential shift in direction for the influential platform.