Proposal to Give Biennale Curators Three-Year Terms

During the opening days of the 2022 Venice Biennale, curated by Cecilia Alemani, many art professionals—including journalists, critics, museum directors, and artists—were heard saying that every biennial should be a triennial. This sentiment arose because the extra year granted by the pandemic postponement allowed Alemani and her team more time for preparation, research, and fundraising, resulting in a more meticulous exhibition and a thorough catalogue. The article, written by Massimiliano Tonelli for Artribune, argues that while the exhibition itself should remain biennial, the curator's appointment should be extended to a three-year term. Tonelli suggests that the curator for the next edition should be named before the current edition opens—for example, the 2024 curator should have been appointed in 2021 or early 2022, just as Alemani was named in January 2020 for a show that opened in April 2022. He contends that the traditional 18-month preparation period is no longer sufficient given the complexity of the contemporary art world and the need to cover research globally. The potential risk of having the incoming curator observe the current one's work is framed as an opportunity rather than a drawback. Alternatively, the new curator could be announced during the opening ceremonies, similar to the awarding of Golden Lions, ensuring at least two full years of work. Tonelli calls on Biennale president Roberto Cicutto to consider this innovation.