Kochi Biennale Director Resigns Following Sexual Harassment Complaint

Bose Krishnamachari stepped down from his roles as director of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale and trustee of the Kochi Biennale Foundation in January. According to a report in The Indian Express, his resignation followed a complaint received by the foundation in December alleging sexual harassment. Venu Vasudevan, chairperson of the foundation, stated that the allegations were among the factors leading to Krishnamachari's departure. At the time of his resignation, Krishnamachari cited family reasons for leaving. The complaint alleges that Krishnamachari invited a female employee to his apartment in Kochi, where he made inappropriate sexual comments and advances. In response to the allegations, Krishnamachari described them as misleading and unsubstantiated, claiming they were taken out of context. He indicated awareness of the sources and pattern of circulation of the claims and stated that he has instructed his lawyers to initiate legal proceedings in Mumbai, with plans to file them soon. The Kochi-Muziris Biennale is a significant contemporary art event in India, and this development raises questions about accountability and conduct within cultural institutions.