Italian government denies visas to three Ghanaian curators for Venice Architecture Biennale

Three Ghanaian curators were prevented from attending the 18th Venice Architecture Biennale after Italian authorities refused their visa applications. The exhibition, which opened on Saturday, is curated by Ghanaian-Scottish curator Lesley Lokko, marking the first time an African descendant has led the event. Italian Ambassador to Ghana Daniela d'Orlandi cited concerns about the curators' intentions to leave Italy before visa expiration as justification for the denial, despite confirmed return tickets to Ghana. Lokko publicly criticized the decision during a press conference and on Twitter, describing it as revealing the 'ugly rear' of Italy's immigration policies. She noted that such barriers are familiar experiences for people from the Global South, affecting her family, friends, and collaborators. The Biennale, titled 'Laboratory of the Future,' emphasizes African and diaspora perspectives. Italy's stricter immigration approach followed the election of populist Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in October. Organizers are currently negotiating with the Italian government to resolve the situation.