The Kochi-Muziris Biennale, India’s first international contemporary art festival, kicked off on December 12, 2012, and will continue till March 13, 2013, in the idyllic surroundings of Kochi, Muziris and other islands in Kerala. The three- month-long festival offers an international platform for Indian artists by showcasing artworks across a variety of mediums, including film, installation, painting, sculpture, new media and performance art by Indian and international artists. Over 80 artists from 35 countries across the world are exhibiting contemporary visual art in galleries and halls, public spaces, heritage buildings and disused structures. In one such initiative, BMW, the leading luxury car maker, has put up a curated programme of video series on urbanism. The alliance between BMW and Kochi Biennale is quite prominent as it will help in developing significant enriching project, with a theme of ‘cosmopolitanism and inclusiveness’.
Maruti’s autocross
Aspiring racers and motor-sport buffs got another opportunity to indulge in high jinks at the Maruti Suzuki Autocross, held at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida. The New Delhi edition of the Autocross event was conducted over three days, which involved practice and qualifying laps prior to the finals held on December 23. The racers, who were required to finish the lap of 2.4 kms in the least possible time, got an opportunity to demonstrate their driving skills in a controlled and secured environment. Only 56 drivers across various categories got to the final round of the event, which saw as many as 140 participants competing in 11 different categories. Of these 20% were women and 40% were participating for the first time in this rally.
Woodland’s initiative
Leading adventure outdoor wear brand Woodland took an initiative to keep Goa clean on this New Year. On December 26, it announced the launch of its initiative ‘Leave No Trace’ in Goa while partnering with the popular music & dance festival – Sunburn Goa 2012. As part of this association, Goa witnessed Woodland’s first-ever, massive structure ‘ProPlanet Pod’, a 25 feet massive structure made from discarded plastic drinking bottles from the festival venue. The campaign carried some of the on-ground engaging activities and supported people at Sunburn to keep the venue clean.
