Paolo Baratta on the Multidisciplinary Identity of La Biennale di Venezia
As the 2017 Venice Art Biennale opens, President Paolo Baratta reflects on the institution's multidisciplinary nature, tracing its historical expansion from the first Art Exhibition in 1895 to include the world's first film festival in 1932, theater, dance, architecture, and music. Baratta emphasizes that each art form is founded on specific practices, yet the Biennale's strength lies in its coexistence of disciplines. He notes ongoing preparations for upcoming events: the Architecture Biennale curated by Yvonne Farrell and Shelley McNamara, the Dance Festival opening June 23 directed by Marie Chouinard, the Theater Festival starting July 25 under Antonio Latella, and the Music Festival beginning October 29 curated by Ivan Fedele. Baratta argues that the institution's primary goal is not tourism, events, or revenue, but maintaining artistic freedom, autonomy, and international dialogue as a research institution that serves the public interest.
Key facts
- La Biennale di Venezia began with its first Art Exhibition in 1895.
- The Venice Film Festival, the world's first, was launched in 1932 within the Art Biennale.
- Architecture was introduced in 1980 with Paolo Portoghesi's Strada Novissima exhibition.
- The 2017 Art Biennale is opening as this article is published.
- Yvonne Farrell and Shelley McNamara are curating the next Architecture Biennale.
- Marie Chouinard directs the Biennale Danza, with its festival opening June 23.
- Antonio Latella directs the Biennale Teatro, with its festival starting July 25.
- Ivan Fedele curates the Biennale Musica, with its festival beginning October 29.
Entities
Artists
- Paolo Baratta
- Paolo Portoghesi
- Yvonne Farrell
- Shelley McNamara
- Marie Chouinard
- Antonio Latella
- Ivan Fedele
Institutions
- La Biennale di Venezia
- Biennale Arte
- Biennale Architettura
- Biennale Danza
- Biennale Teatro
- Biennale Musica
- Mostra d'Arte Cinematografica
- Artribune
Locations
- Venice
- Italy