Fearless Foundation for the Arts has begun work on Cochin’s largest mural, a 200-metre community art wall at the Indian Coast Guard Office in Fort Kochi. The initiative honors those who safeguard India’s coastal ecosystems, including the Indian Coast Guard, mangrove plantation workers, and local fishing communities.
The project brings together an intergenerational team of 10 Fearless Ambassadors from Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, India, Uzbekistan, and Myanmar. These artists, community leaders, and activists are collaborating with Fort Kochi’s coastal communities to translate shared stories and experiences into visual form on the wall.
Community members have been invited to join public painting sessions on December 12 and 13 from 4 p.m. onwards, creating a space for dialogue and collective expression. The sessions encourage people to imagine what safety, care, and protection of coastlines can look like when shaped through community participation and storytelling.
The mural is part of Fearless’ ongoing climate justice programme, “At the Root,” which foregrounds women, indigenous groups, and coastal workers disproportionately affected by the climate crisis. Drawing on local engagements and listening circles in Fort Kochi, the project shifts the focus from the symptoms of climate change to its deeper intersections with land, labor, and care.
The mural will be formally celebrated on December 14, 2025, with a Fearless Feast from 4 p.m. onwards at the Coast Guard Office Gate on Calvathy Road. The gathering will bring together artists, community participants, and allies for an evening of food, music, and storytelling in tribute to the region’s coastal protectors.
Founded in 2012, Fearless Foundation is a South Asian institution of art and activism known for its participatory public art and storytelling projects. It has so far co-created more than 52 murals in over 20 countries. Its climate justice work spans seven years and includes collaborations with coastal and indigenous communities across Canada, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Scotland, Mexico, India, and beyond.
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