Festival of Food in Art and Literature
Kula, meaning community in Sanskrit, is a celebration where food takes centre stage as a source of creativity, conversation, and connection.
Over three days, the festival brings together artists, writers, and thinkers from across Kerala and beyond to explore food’s many meanings, from recipes to resistance, from land to language, it becomes the thread that weaves together diverse stories and shared experiences.
KULA looks forward to a shared future, one shaped by the work of cultural practitioners who see the arts as a civic space - a way not just to imagine but to build more inclusive worlds. It calls on institutions to uphold shared values over economic imperatives and to centre the collective dimensions of human experience.
Artist: Mario D'souza
Wall mural, Indigo paint
Other Projects
The Art Outreach Society (TAOS) has previously explored food as a medium for curation and expression. In 2021, TAOS initiated a project titled Food Party of Memories. Amid the Covid-19 lockdown, food became a way for communities to connect, as families and individuals shared memories through their favorite dishes.
In 2023, the exhibition Who Put Out the Fire? took shape as a residency project, where artists collaborated with women from the Kochi community to create personal films reflecting their lives through the lens of their kitchens. Both projects were featured in the 2023 Kochi-Muziris Biennale’s invited satellite exhibition, A Place at the Table.
More about the exhibition: www.taos.org.in/pages/a_place
TAOS is currently working on a community-driven initiative to archive food recipes from the people of Kochi. Using technology and media as key tools, the project aims to document personal histories and preserve the community’s culinary heritage—creating a living repository of cultural memory for a shared future.
Sustainability
At the Festival, sustainability is at the heart of our mission. We believe that celebrating culture should not come at the expense of the environment or social equity. That's why our festival aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting a more inclusive, conscious, and resilient community.
Supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals
Our sustainability efforts are designed around key SDGs:
SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities: We work with local authorities and partners to reduce waste, encourage public transport, and ensure accessible, inclusive spaces for all.
SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production: We reduce plastic use, promote recycling, and prioritize eco-friendly materials in all festival infrastructure.
SDG 13 – Climate Action: We implement carbon offset programs, encourage plant-based food vendors, and partner with green energy providers.
SDG 5 – Gender Equality: Our programming, staff, and leadership reflect a strong commitment to equal representation and opportunity for all genders.
Community Building
The festival is more than just an event—it's a platform to empower local communities and ensure the blurring of boundaries created by social divisions.
Volunteering opportunities offer skill-building and foster a sense of ownership and belonging among residents.
Cultural Promotion and Inclusion
We celebrate the diverse cultural heritage of our region while embracing innovation:
Venues
Coming Soon
Volunteer
Join Us as a Volunteer!
Are you passionate about culture and eager to gain hands-on experience in festival making or event planning? We're looking for enthusiastic volunteers who are committed, responsible, and ready to be part of an exciting journey.
Eligibility:
- Must be 18 years or older
- Dedicated and responsible with a strong sense of commitment
What We Offer:
- Real-world experience in organizing cultural events and festivals
- A chance to work with a passionate and creative team
- A certificate of participation upon successful completion of the volunteering period
- Be a part of something vibrant and meaningful—contribute to the making of unforgettable cultural experiences!
Want to know more, tell us about your project or just to say hello? Drop me a line and I'll get back as soon as possible.
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