Bevilacqua La Masa Foundation's lost international allure and current state

The Fondazione Bevilacqua La Masa in Venice, established in 1898 from Felicita Bevilacqua's will to support young local artists excluded from the Biennale, once boasted international prestige. Under presidents Chiara Bertola and Luca Massimo Barbero, and during Angela Vettese's tenure (2002-2015), Palazzetto Tito hosted major shows by Marlene Dumas (2003), Thomas Ruff, Karen Kilimnik, Yoko Ono, Peter Doig, Alex Katz, Roni Horn, Hiroshi Sugimoto, and Edvard Munch. Collaborations with Teatro La Fenice involved artists like Grazia Toderi, Rebecca Horn, and William Kentridge. Sponsors included Bonotto, Stonefly, and Moleskine. The foundation supported emerging talents such as Giorgio Andreotta Calò, Diego Marcon, and Thomas Braida. Since 2016, under new administration, international partnerships waned, prioritizing local galleries with smaller budgets. The artist studios increased to 25 units, now curated by Camilla Mozzato, and gained visibility at Arte Fiera Bologna. The contemporary art library moved to Mestre but remains functional. The foundation still aids young artists but lost its international draw and revenue from major exhibitions that once funded youth programs.