Who funds the Kochi-Muziris Biennale? Meet the key benefactors

While the Biennale has had several long-time patrons and supporters, including art galleries and foundations, in the formal acknowledgements, specific to this edition, the ‘Platinum Patrons’ — who have donated Rs 1 crore each — include Yusuff Ali MA of the LuLu Group International, Minal Bajaj of Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation, Shabana Faizal of Faizal and Shabana Foundation, Aarti Lohia from SP Lohia Foundation and Mariam Ram of TNQ Foundation. Then there is Vijay Choraria of Art C Foundation, who is a ‘Silver Benefactor’.

There are also more long-term commitments and donations from the ‘Platinum Benefactors’, who have committed Rs 1 crore over five years, with a total of Rs 5 crore each, to sustain the Biennale’s ongoing engagements. For Faizal and Ram, this is in addition to the donation for the 2025-2026 edition.

Here is who they are:

Sangita Jindal: Chairperson of the JSW Foundation and a prominent art collector, who has also founded the Hampi Arts Lab in Karnataka, recent years have seen Jindal support several art and culture initiatives. In September 2025, she was also conferred the insignia of Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters), one of France’s most prestigious distinctions.

Adeeb Ahamed: Managing director of LuLu Financial Holdings and founder of Adeeb & Shafeena Foundation, he also serves on the KBF board of trustees. In his statement on joining the Biennale’s benefactor group, Ahamed had stated, “Initiatives like the KMB are crucial for the cultural and tourism development of Kochi. It is a matter of great pride to support the Biennale which plays a vital role in enriching the cultural landscape of Kochi.”

Mariam Ram: Managing Director of TNQ Technologies and also on the board of trustees for the KBF, Ram has been a key supporter of the Biennale. Her patronage has reportedly helped anchor the long-term sustainability of KBF programmes and outreach.

Kiran Nadar: One of India’s foremost art patrons and founder of the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA), she has been a long-time supporter of the Biennale.

Kiran Nadar (Source: KNMA via Express Archives)

This edition will also see the KNMA present the exhibition ‘Worlds within Worlds’ by artist Gulammohammed Sheikh, curated by Roobina Karode, at Durbar Hall in Ernakulam.

Shabana Faizal: UAE-based Faizal is vice-chairperson of KEF Holdings and co-founder of the Faizal & Shabana Foundation. As a trustee of the KBF and part of its Platinum Benefactor group, Faizal supports initiatives that integrate social welfare with cultural engagement.

Shabana Faizal supports initiatives that integrate social welfare with cultural engagement.

She is also Global Advisory Committee Member for the Indiaspora Forum 2026, a collective of leaders shaping conversations on innovation, inclusion, and impact across the Indian diaspora. On her support to the biennale, in a statement, Thomas Varghese, Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation, had noted, “Her contribution meaningfully advances our mission to nurture artistic exchange, strengthen educational initiatives, and further our work in the field of preservation of cultural heritage.”

Shefali Varma: Chairperson of The Ardee Group and The Ardee Schools, Varma became a Platinum Benefactor of KBF in 2025. An entrepreneur and patron, she is also deeply committed to social impact.

. An entrepreneur and patron, Shefali Varma is also deeply committed to social impact.

Anu Menda: Chairperson of the RMZ Foundation, she joined the KBF as a Platinum Benefactor in 2025. Championing the integration of art into public and urban spaces, she is also on KBF’s advisory council and serves leadership roles as a Global Council Member at the Delfina Foundation, London, and Cultural Ambassador for the Asia Society India Centre.

Championing the integration of art into public and urban spaces, Anu Menda is also on KBF’s advisory council

On her association with the biennale, in a statement, Menda noted, “As Asia’s largest contemporary art festival, the Kochi-Muziris Biennale has emerged as a landmark platform for exchange and creative expression. RMZ Foundation is privileged to support this transformative movement, reflecting our commitment to advancing contemporary art, broadening cultural access, and fostering dialogue across diverse communities.”