8 Point Art Café

Cultural Hub for Art & Expression - 8 Point Art Café, Kollam

Nestled within the serene Asramam Picnic Village in Kollam, Kerala, the 8 Point Art Café stands as a beacon of creativity, heritage, and community engagement. Established on October 2, 2015, this unique venue blends the charm of a heritage building with the vibrancy of contemporary art, making it the first international-standard art café in the city. The café is housed in the renovated “Parambarya” building, a structure rich in architectural legacy, which was transformed into a cultural hotspot under the vision of renowned muralist & art director Mr. Shenley Renjan, the founder of the café.

Vision & Ownership

Mr. Shenley Renjan, a celebrated figure in Kerala’s art scene, envisioned the 8 Point Art Café as more than just a gallery—it’s a space where art meets life. With his background in mural artistry & direction, Shenley brought a refined aesthetic to the space, curating exhibitions, performances, & installations that reflect both local traditions & global sensibilities. The building was leased from the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) Kollam, which invested nearly ₹2 million in its renovation. Shenley’s stewardship has ensured that the café remains a dynamic venue for artists, performers, & thinkers alike.

Concept & Cultural Significance

The name “8 Point” is inspired by the eight creeks of the nearby Ashtamudi Lake & the eight art forms represented within the gallery. This symbolic connection to nature & tradition is reflected throughout the space—from its open-air performance area to its curated exhibitions. The café regularly hosts painting showcases, photography exhibits, music concerts, & literary events, positioning itself as a multidisciplinary platform for emerging & established artists.

One of the standout features is Kerala’s first Little Free Library, located in the café’s courtyard. Visitors are encouraged to take a book & leave one in return, fostering a culture of sharing & intellectual curiosity. This initiative aligns with global trends in community-driven learning & reflects the café’s commitment to accessibility & inclusivity.

Facilities & Ambience

The 8 Point Art Café offers a thoughtfully designed environment that balances vintage charm with modern functionality. The interiors feature warm lighting, whitewashed walls, & minimalist seating arrangements that allow the artwork to take center stage. The open-air theatre can accommodate up to 400 guests, making it ideal for performances, talks, & workshops.

In addition to its cultural offerings, the café serves a curated menu of fresh & locally inspired dishes, providing visitors with a holistic experience that nourishes both body & soul. The blend of food, art, & architecture creates a welcoming atmosphere for tourists, locals, & art enthusiasts.

Industry Standards & Recognition

From an industry perspective, 8 Point Art Café adheres to several best practices in the hospitality & cultural sectors:

• Heritage Preservation: Adaptive reuse of the Parambarya building aligns with global standards for sustainable tourism & cultural conservation.
• Community Engagement: Initiatives like the Little Free Library & public exhibitions promote inclusivity & civic participation.
• Accessibility: Located near major transit hubs like Kollam KSRTC & Kollam Junction, the café is easily accessible to visitors from across Kerala.
• Event Curation: Regular programming ensures consistent footfall & brand visibility, a key metric in cultural venue management.

In short, the 8 Point Art Café is more than a destination—it’s a movement. Under the leadership of Mr. Shenley Renjan, it has become a cornerstone of Kollam’s cultural identity, bridging tradition & innovation. Whether you're an artist seeking inspiration, a traveler exploring Kerala’s artistic soul, or a local resident looking for a quiet corner to reflect, this café offers a space where creativity flows as freely as conversation.

Payment Methods

At 8 Point Art Café, Kollam, the following payment methods are accepted for customer convenience:

• 💵 Cash - Accepted for all in-store purchases, including food, beverages & merchandise.
• 💳 Credit & Debit Cards - Most major cards (Visa, Mastercard, RuPay) are accepted via POS terminals.
• 📱 Digital Wallets - Popular UPI-based apps such as Google Pay, PhonePe & Paytm are supported.
• 🧾 Contactless Payments - Tap-to-pay options available for NFC-enabled cards & mobile wallets.

This setup aligns with standard hospitality practices in Kerala, ensuring smooth transactions for both locals & tourists.

Service Locations

Here are the service locations & regions typically served by 8 Point Art Café, Kollam, based on its cultural reach, visitor demographics & event participation:

📍 Primary Location

• Asramam, Kollam City – Core service area including Adventure Park & surrounding neighborhoods

🚩 Nearby Regions Frequently Served

• Kadappakada – Residential & commercial visitors
• Chinnakada – Central business district footfall
• Thangassery – Tourist & heritage zone
• Sakthikulangara – Coastal visitors & artists
• Paravur – Art enthusiasts from nearby towns
• Kottiyam & Mayyanad – Suburban outreach for events & exhibitions

🧭 Extended Cultural Reach

• Thiruvananthapuram – Artists, performers & tourists from the capital
• Pathanamthitta & Alappuzha – Regional art communities & travelers
• International Visitors – Especially during curated exhibitions & heritage festivals

🎨 Event-Based Service Zones

• Mobile exhibitions & collaborations with schools, colleges & cultural bodies across South Kerala

This coverage reflects both the café’s physical accessibility & its cultural influence across the region.