India’s Business Standard explains why Kerala is the site for India’s new biennial:

The choice of Kochi as the venue is also more of a nod to its cultural landscape and the laidback feel of the Fort Kochi area than to its position as an art market, Komu explains. While it is considered to be the hub of art in Kerala, a state that has produced several renowned contemporary artists, the city has not developed a market that can be compared to the major metros. The galleries here, numbering around 10, were also hit by the downturn in prices of art, though there has been an improvement of late, says contemporary artist T Kaladharan who owns the Nanappa Art Gallery. More collectors have been visiting and buying works and several people employed in the various infotech companies around the city are also buying art, which Kaladharan attributes to an increased awareness in the younger generation about the value of art.

New Tempo for Art (Business Standard)