So, this week we are shifting from the shores of China to the island of Sri Lanka. There is a connection, of course. Much has been written about China’s purported role in the recent ending of civil war in Sri Lanka, and the possible links to the USD1 bn Hambantota port, which has been under construction since 2007 and for which the China Exim bank contributed around USD350m.

 

But, this week, we are not talking about either politics or port construction – but art. A Colombo-based friend of BizChinaUpdate, Annoushka Hempel, has conceived and created what could well be one of the landmark cultural events to be held in Asia this year.

 

The inaugural 2009 Colombo Art Biennale, entitled Imagining Peace, was conceived while Sri Lanka’s brutal civil war was still a reality. Initially influenced by a hope for peace, the Biennale aimed to showcase Sri Lankan artists’ representations of life in a war-torn country and their imaginings of a peaceful future. In recent months, the Biennale has gained a forceful cultural and political momentum since the war was declared ended in May.

 

Colombo’s debut Art Biennale will present a cultural examination of an island nation’s immense challenges to recover from 26 years of war, violence and division. Featuring five large and two small pavilions, 50 artists and seven curators, it will also embrace 20 other satellite venues around Colombo. The Biennale is being endorsement by the Sri Lankan Tourist Board, and has also received support from Sri Lanka's Foreign Secretary. 

 

The Colombo Art Biennale (www.colomboartbiennale.com) runs from 10-14 September. We wish the event every possible success.