As Wikimedians from across India and South Asia prepare to meet in Kochi this September, WikiConference India 2026 is taking shape not only through its program and participants, but also through a visual identity designed to reflect the spirit of the conference. From the logo that will appear across conference materials to the mascot that will accompany participants through the event, these visual elements are intended to make WCI 2026 feel recognisable, welcoming, and distinctly connected to the place where we are coming together. A logo communicates a variety of important ideas with a few visual elements; that was the idea the design team of WikiConference India 2026 had in mind when they began to work on its logo to represent the themes of the conference, the current discussions around the Wikimedia ecosystem, and the hopes and expectations behind planning this conference. The resulting logo also aims to demonstrate the continuity of the Wikiconference India and Indic Wikimedia communities over the years, the breadth of cultural diversity that India carries, and the unique identity of Kochi city- the location where the conference is being held.
WikiConference India 2026 will take place in Kochi, Kerala, from 4th-6th September 2026, around the theme “Reimagining the Knowledge Commons – Community Leadership in an Evolving Wikimedia Ecosystem.” The conference invites us to think about the Wikimedia movement not simply as a collection of websites and projects, but as a living ecosystem shaped by people, communities, languages, ideas, and relationships
A logo that brings the conference together
The WCI 2026 logo is the primary visual marker of this year’s conference. It brings together the identity of WikiConference India with visual cues developed specifically for the 2026 edition in Kochi.
The identity uses a vibrant four-colour palette – blue, green, red, and orange – creating a visual language that is energetic while remaining connected to the Wikimedia identity.
The process
Over several rounds of discussions, brainstorming & initial guidance from the WMF brand studio members Corli De Kock & Jordan McRae, the WCI volunteer designers group led by User:Athulvis came up with the 4-element logo for WCI 2026. We are grateful to Corli, Jordan, and the Brand Studio team for their thoughtful guidance, creative inputs, and support throughout the process. The team discussed extensively what would represent the goal and spirit of WikiConference India 2026, while ensuring that it is inclusive in nature. Ample thought was given to the elements, to the practices and places they represent, and the social and representational meaning they have carried over the years. A couple of options were discussed as the team together decided on the finalized logo. It carries over the WCI 2023 multi-element logo structure, showcasing the conference’s continuity and expectations of similar South Asia-focused Wikimedia events in the future as well.
The four elements of the logo explained
From the Chundan Vallam (Snake Boat) in the south to the Himalayas in the north, woven among them palm leaf manuscripts depicting classical knowledge systems, and the Chinese Fishing Nets iconic of Kochi- the four elements of the logo demonstrate the identity, vision, and groundedness of the Wikimedia movement in India. The multi-part logo demonstrates the cultural diversity of India with themes well-recognized as well as those which might be new to some, thus displaying the spirit of inclusion and representation.
Chundan Vallam- known in English as the Kerala snake boat is representative of local craft and ingenuity borne out of living conditions, needs, and knowledge passed down orally. It is representative of the core objective of the conference- Empowering regional languages and local knowledge. Innovation and thought go into the creation and advancement of these vessels as they are used for boat races in which several villages from Kerala participate. These boats are made of wild jackfruit timber and finished with local ecological material, which makes the boat weather-proof. Usage of this image in the logo is representative of the need to recognize local craft, knowledge systems, as well as to adapt and utilize skills borne out of necessity in times of change requiring strategizing.
The Himalayas are synonymous with India nationally and internationally, thus a familiar representative of an event with attendees from various geographical regions. The Himalayas are a mountain range with some of the earth’s highest peaks, which has shaped South Asian and Tibetan culture massively. This ensconing figure is representative of the ensconced space we are hoping to build during the conference for ideas and discussions which will sustain online and within individual communities. It is also a reminder of the unique and underrepresented knowledge systems nested in South Asia-which is also the core objective of the conference-Bridging Knowledge Gaps.
Chinese Fishing nets- locally known as Cheena vala are believed to have been introduced to Cochin in the 15th century by a Chinese explorer. They are operated on the mechanism of balance and rhythm. The net is descended into the water for a short time to catch fish and then raised delicately by pulling on the ropes. This life-sustaining practice reminds us of the importance of sustainability. The patience and skills employed in methods that respect nature are a reminder to create and consume knowledge sustainably- with the ideals of reliability, acknowledgement of open knowledge, and constructive technology as its core. It is a reference to the conference core objective of Community Leadership in the trend of AI.
The manuscript sub-theme represents the ancient textual knowledge system of India. Various nations have a history of manuscripts etched upon natural things like leaves and barks. Wikimedians identify the importance of carrying forward the continuity of human knowledge passed through generations- a nod to the knowledge-keepers of the past who ensured that knowledge and wisdom passed down through generations via the available materials and medium. This is especially relevant in relation to the vision statement of the Wikimedia movement of the goal of all humans to freely share in the sum of all knowledge. Innovative models for open-access participation are another conference core objective that depends on our respect for the dynamic nature of knowledge transfer by assimilating various ways of participation.
While the aim was to demonstrate the above-mentioned elements, it was also to display the interconnectedness rather than as separate blocks– the theme that guides good community-building and leadership. To display the same, the team decided to showcase the 4 elements joined among each other with chain links (‘कड़ी ’ in Hindi and കണ്ണി in Malayalam). As a whole, they display the spirit of the Indic knowledge systems, culture, and everyday life as carried in nature and people.
Meet the mascot
Every conference has its official visual identity. But sometimes, it also needs a character.
For WCI 2026, the mascots named “Annu” & “Appu” are designed by the volunteer designer Uday Dongre – User:Decodeme to bring a more playful and approachable personality to the conference. They will appear across the conference experience, helping participants connect with the event beyond formal program sessions and communications. These two mascots represent the spirit of coming together -curious, collaborative, and ready to explore new possibilities for the knowledge commons.
Rather than being simply a decorative character, these mascots give us another way to express the conference’s central idea: that reimagining the knowledge commons is ultimately about people.
A logo may appear on a banner. A mascot may appear on a badge. A pookalam-inspired graphic may become part of a presentation or a social graphic. But behind each of these elements is the same purpose: to create a visual language for a gathering of people who contribute to a shared body of knowledge in different ways. This is particularly meaningful for WikiConference India, which has always provided a space for Wikimedians across India and South Asia to meet, exchange experiences, and strengthen connections between communities. WCI 2026 builds on that tradition while asking what the next chapter of the movement can look like.
With about a week remaining for WikiConference India, we are excited to host the Wikimedia community with a space for discussion, innovation, and future-building!
This article has been written without assistance from generative AI. Any resemblance to AI is a mere coincidence.
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