Shefali Varma Joins Kochi Biennale Foundation Advisory Council

Shefali Varma Joins the Advisory Council of the Kochi Biennale Foundation

Kochi, Nov 18: The Kochi Biennale Foundation is proud to announce the appointment of Shefali Varma, Chairperson of The Ardee Group and The Ardee Schools, to its prestigious Advisory Council. A leading entrepreneur, philanthropist, and collector, Shefali Varma joins the Council as a Platinum Benefactor, marking a significant new chapter in the Foundation’s collaborative journey with one of India’s most respected patrons of art and education.

Shefali Varma, Chairperson, Ardee foundation

Her appointment comes at a pivotal moment as the Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KMB) prepares for its upcoming edition, titled “For the Time Being”, a powerful curatorial exploration anchored in embodied memory, ancestral knowledge, and the lyrical possibilities of stories and songs. This edition brings together 66 artists and collectives from over 20 countries, presenting work that reimagines how histories are told and how communities come together across borders, time, and lived experience.

“It is an honour to join the Advisory Council of the Kochi Biennale Foundation at a moment when the Biennale is opening new ways of thinking about art, memory, and community. At The Ardee Foundation, we believe deeply in nurturing creativity and fostering dialogue between generations. Our participation this year reflects our commitment to supporting artists whose work speaks to both philosophical reflection and contemporary relevance. I am humbled to contribute to this extraordinary cultural movement.” Shefali Varma, Chairperson, The Ardee Group & The Ardee Schools

Ardee Foundation at Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2025–26

For this edition, The Ardee Foundation will present the works of celebrated artist Shobha Broota at the historic Mocha Art Café in Fort Kochi. Known for her meditative abstraction and spiritual minimalism, Broota’s practice aligns deeply with the Biennale’s contemplative framework. The Ardee Foundation’s participation is curated by noted cultural theorist and curator Ina Puri, who has long been associated with championing significant voices in Indian art.

This collaboration underscores the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to bridging art and education, supporting women artists, and creating platforms where both legacy and modern experimentation can flourish.

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