Barbara Chase-Riboud Declines US Venice Biennale Pavilion Amid Political Controversy
Barbara Chase-Riboud articulated her decision not to represent the U.S. at the 61st Venice Biennale, asserting that "this was not the moment." Alongside her, photographer William Eggleston also turned down the opportunity. In November, the American Arts Conservancy (AAC) chose Mexico-based American sculptor Alma Allen and curator Jeffrey Uslip for the 2026 exhibition. The selection process faced interruptions due to revised grant guidelines from the US State Department, which emerged after President Trump abolished federal Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives. These new stipulations required proposals to reflect "American values" for the $375,000 pavilion grant. The AAC was established in 2025 by Jenni Parido in partnership with Erin Scavino.
Key facts
- Barbara Chase-Riboud declined to represent the US at the 61st Venice Biennale
- She stated "this was not the moment" in the Financial Times
- William Eggleston also declined the American Arts Conservancy commission
- Alma Allen and Jeffrey Uslip were selected instead in November
- US State Department updated grant guidelines in May to promote "American values"
- Grant requirements followed Trump's dismantling of federal DEI initiatives
- The AAC was founded in 2025 by Jenni Parido from Tampa, Florida
- Preparation time was reduced to eight months by the Trump administration
Entities
Artists
- Barbara Chase-Riboud
- William Eggleston
- Alma Allen
- Robert Lazzarini
Institutions
- American Arts Conservancy (AAC)
- US State Department Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
- National Endowment for the Arts
- University of South Florida's Contemporary Art Museum
- Financial Times
- New York Times
- Hyperallergic
- Washington Post
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
- Paris
- France
- Tampa
- Florida
- United States
- Mexico