Trump Administration Demands 'American Exceptionalism' for 2027 Venice Architecture Biennale
The US Department of State has issued a call for submissions for the 2027 Venice Biennale of Architecture, emphasizing designs that showcase 'America’s exceptionalism' while explicitly prohibiting the promotion of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. This announcement follows the selection process for the 2026 pavilion, which recognized artist Alma Allen. The National Gallery of Art has acquired nearly 50 pieces from the Berezdivin Collection, featuring works by Allora & Calzadilla and Priscilla Monge. MoMA PS1 recently revealed Esteban Cabeza de Baca's mural 'Ancestral Dreams' (2026). Additionally, Carrie Rebora Barratt has been appointed to the Nelson-Atkins Museum, and the Bobby Anspach Foundation has granted funds to multiple artists. Jitish Kallat received a commission for the Menil Drawing Institute, while Amedeo Modigliani's 'Nu assis au collier' fetched £48.2 million at Sotheby's London.
Key facts
- US Department of State issued calls for proposals for 2027 Venice Biennale of Architecture requiring 'American exceptionalism' and anti-DEI certification.
- National Gallery of Art received nearly 50 works from Berezdivin Collection, adding Allora & Calzadilla, Chemi Rosado-Seijo, Rafael Ferrer, and Priscilla Monge.
- MoMA PS1 unveiled mural 'Ancestral Dreams' by Esteban Cabeza de Baca, on view through spring 2027.
- Carrie Rebora Barratt appointed senior curator-at-large of American Art at Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
- Courtenay Finn named chief curator at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art; Ryan Owen and Shayne Hart also appointed.
- Recess announced 2026–28 Session artists: Khajistan, YATTA, Sonic Liberation Devices, Chaia, Zoë Pulley, Alex Strada, Ellery Neon, Pinko, Immanuel Oni, Amina Ross.
- Bobby Anspach Foundation inaugural grants: Julianne Swartz and Bobby McElver ($50K each); Derrick Woods Morrow, Jimena Sarno, Nikolas Soren Goodich ($10K each).
- Jitish Kallat commissioned for Menil Drawing Institute's Wall Drawing Series, opening September 10.
- Brooklyn Backs Brooklyn campaign awarded $240,000 to 16 organizations including BRIC Arts Media, Brooklyn Children’s Museum, Brooklyn Arts and Culture Kollective.
- Modigliani's 'Nu assis au collier' sold for £48.2 million at Sotheby's London from Joe Lewis collection; Lewis was pardoned by Trump after insider trading.
Entities
Artists
- Alma Allen
- Allora & Calzadilla
- Chemi Rosado-Seijo
- Rafael Ferrer
- Priscilla Monge
- Esteban Cabeza de Baca
- Carrie Rebora Barratt
- Courtenay Finn
- Ryan Owen
- Shayne Hart
- Khajistan
- YATTA
- Sonic Liberation Devices
- Chaia
- Zoë Pulley
- Alex Strada
- Ellery Neon
- Pinko
- Immanuel Oni
- Amina Ross
- Julianne Swartz
- Bobby McElver
- Derrick Woods Morrow
- Jimena Sarno
- Nikolas Soren Goodich
- Jitish Kallat
- Amedeo Modigliani
- Joe Lewis
Institutions
- US Department of State
- Venice Biennale of Architecture
- Hyperallergic
- National Gallery of Art
- Berezdivin Collection
- MoMA PS1
- Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
- Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
- Recess
- Bobby Anspach Foundation
- Menil Drawing Institute
- Brooklyn Backs Brooklyn
- BRIC Arts Media
- Brooklyn Children’s Museum
- Brooklyn Arts and Culture Kollective
- Sotheby's
- Galerie Berthe Weill
Locations
- United States
- Washington, DC
- Queens
- London
- United Kingdom
- Paris
- France
- Venice
- Italy