When Children Make the Art: Olimalar Foundation's Exhibition & Workshop in Kochi [Apr 8]

A child draws a house with a yellow door. Another paints a fish bigger than the pond it swims in. Someone fills an entire page with rainbows, because why stop at one when you can have twelve?

On April 8, 2026, these kinds of paintings will be on the walls of aikyam space in Mattancherry, Fort Kochi. The show is called Made with HeART, and every piece in it was made by a child.

What You'll Find Inside

The exhibition brings together artworks by children from across Kochi, organized by Olimalar Foundation .

But you won't just be looking at what's on the walls. The space is set up for you to make things too. There are hands-on art stations where you can sit down and create something of your own. There's guided clay modelling. And calligraphy, if you want to try your hand at letters that look like they belong on old temple walls.

All of this is beginner-friendly and open to all ages. You don't need to know how to draw. You don't need to register. Just walk in.

Who's Behind It

Olimalar Foundation runs education and community programmes for young people. Their LifSkool initiative focuses on learning through creative engagement, and this exhibition is an extension of that work.

The venue, aikyam space, is in the Mattancherry area. If you've been to the Biennale venues along Bazaar Road, you already know this part of town. It's a short walk or auto ride from Fort Kochi.

Why Children's Art Is Worth Your Time

Kochi has had no shortage of art exhibitions this season. The Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2025-26 just wrapped up on March 31, and if you spent any time at the ABC Art Room workshops or the Students' Biennale, you already know what happens when younger people make art without worrying about what critics think.

This show carries that energy forward. The children here aren't thinking about colour theory or composition rules. They're drawing what they see, what they imagine, and what makes them happy. A house gets a yellow door because yellow is the best colour. A fish gets bigger than its pond because that's how big the fish felt.

There's something useful about standing in front of a painting made by someone who hasn't yet learned to second-guess themselves. Adults spend years trying to get back to that kind of creative freedom. Here, you can see it on every wall.

Getting There

aikyam space on Lalan Road is in Mattancherry, close to other Fort Kochi and Mattancherry landmarks. From the Chinese fishing nets area, it's about a 15-minute auto ride (Rs 50-80). If you're coming by Water Metro, get off at the Mattancherry stop and walk from there.

The Details

What: Made with HeART, a children's art exhibition with hands-on art, clay modelling, and calligraphy
When: April 8, 2026, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Where: aikyam space 📍 , Mattancherry, Kochi
Entry: Free. No registration. Drop in anytime.
Contact: +91 98472 83088 | @olimalarfoundation | olimalarfoundation.org

Registration

We have a small team and your RSVP/Registration for the event will help us manage the logistics and needs better. Please take a moment to fill this form below if you are planning to attend.

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