Italy Still Without Curator for Venice Art Biennale Pavilion
Italy has yet to appoint a curator for its national pavilion at the 2019 Venice Art Biennale, now over two months after the March 2018 general election left the country without a fully empowered government. Former Culture Minister Dario Franceschini had initiated a selection process, inviting ten Italian curators to submit proposals by February 2018, but the results remain undisclosed. The delay is attributed to political paralysis, as the outgoing government handles only routine affairs. The previous pavilion, curated by Cecilia Alemani and announced on April 24, 2016, was widely praised. With other countries already preparing, critics warn that Italy risks missing the opportunity to present a competitive project. An open letter urges Franceschini to treat the curator appointment as an emergency.
Key facts
- Italy has not named a curator for its pavilion at the 2019 Venice Art Biennale.
- The delay follows the March 2018 general election and subsequent government formation deadlock.
- Former Culture Minister Dario Franceschini launched a selection process with ten Italian curators.
- Proposals were due in February 2018, but no decision has been announced.
- The previous Italian pavilion in 2017 was curated by Cecilia Alemani, appointed on April 24, 2016.
- The 2018 Architecture Biennale is set to open soon, while the Art Biennale is a year away.
- Critics say Italy risks an uncompetitive pavilion if the appointment is further delayed.
- An appeal has been made to Franceschini to treat the nomination as an emergency.
Entities
Artists
- Cecilia Alemani
- Massimiliano Tonelli
Institutions
- Biennale di Venezia
- Ministero della Cultura
- Artribune
Locations
- Italy
- Venice
- Venezia