The 61st Venice Art Biennale is preparing for a particularly rich and international edition. In addition to the main exhibition In Minor Keys, curated by Koyo Kouoh, the event will include 99 national pavilions and 31 collateral events, reaffirming the exhibition’s central role in the global art landscape.
One of the most notable developments is the debut participation of several countries: Guinea, Equatorial Guinea, Nauru, Qatar, Sierra Leone, Somalia and Vietnam. El Salvador will also take part with its own national pavilion for the first time.
Among previously established participants, the Russian Pavilion will reopen after two years of absence. Pavilions representing Ukraine and Israel — the latter closed during the previous edition — are also confirmed. The Holy See will also be present.
In an official statement, the Biennale’s organizers emphasized the importance of the event as a space for cultural dialogue, stressing that the institution rejects any form of artistic or cultural censorship.
The Biennale and the city of Venice continue to position themselves as places of openness, creative freedom and international exchange, aiming to foster dialogue among cultures while expressing hope for an end to conflicts and suffering around the world.