Kochi, Nov 20 (IANS): Renowned artist Vivan Sundaram and his art historian wife Geeta Kapur have donated Rs.40 lakh for the Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KMB) that begins here Dec 12, organisers said Thursday.

The organisers said the donation has come at a time when the second edition of the 108-day event is raising funds for its smooth execution.

"The public and private sectors are not very generous, but this (donation) needs to be done. I have been supporting the biennale right from the start," the 71-year-old artist said in a statement.

Biennale director Bose Krishnamachari said Sundaram's contribution would set "a great example" of solidarity and shared responsibility from the artistic and cultural community.

"Many key people consider the success of this biennale as a coming to fruition of their own dream project," he said.

Last week, the biennale launched an online fund-raising drive to raise funds for the 2014 edition.

Riyas Komu, director of programmes, said the support coming from the artist and his wife "will have a positive influence on our society".

This year's biennale is curated by Mumbai-based artist Jitish Kallat and will feature the works of 94 artists from 30 countries.