Biennalocene: Venice Biennale Workers Fight for Labor Rights

Biennalocene, a self-organized assembly of cultural workers in Venice, is fighting against precarious labor conditions at the Venice Biennale. Founded in May 2023 with support from Sale Docks, Institute of Radical Imagination, ADL Cobas, and Mi Riconosci?, the group emerged from a performance-inquiry during the 2023 Biennale previews at Giudecca. Workers wore masks to avoid retaliation. The assembly drafted the Carta metropolitana del lavoro culturale, demanding a minimum wage, application of the Federculture contract, and reduction of outsourcing. Key issues include wages below €10/hour, use of inappropriate contracts (multiservizi, servizi fiduciari), forced self-employment, lack of breaks and holidays, and safety violations. Each national pavilion operates independently, with the central Biennale institution disclaiming responsibility. Biennalocene has engaged with Palazzo Grassi, achieving wage increases and recognition of personal training hours. The group plans to continue dialogue with institutions while monitoring subcontractors. The interview was conducted by Laura Cocciolillo for Artribune.