San Marino Pavilion Moves to New Venue for 2026 Venice Biennale with Mark Francis
For the upcoming 61st Venice Biennale in 2026, the Republic of San Marino will relocate its pavilion to Tana Art Space to enhance its visibility. The pavilion will introduce a fresh graphic identity, featuring a logo inspired by the towers of Monte Titano. Curated by Luca Tommasi, the exhibition titled "Sea of Sound" will spotlight British artist Mark Francis (born 1962, Newtownards, Northern Ireland). Tommasi remarked that Francis's artwork resonates with the Biennale's curator Koyo Kouoh's theme "In Minor Keys." The pavilion will consist of two rooms: one showcasing a projection called Listening Field and another displaying new large-scale oil paintings. The Biennale is set to commence on May 9, 2026, with plans to replicate the pavilion in San Marino afterward. Francis's works are part of collections at Tate Gallery and IMMA Ireland.
Key facts
- San Marino Pavilion moves to Tana Art Space for the 61st Venice Biennale in 2026.
- The pavilion will feature a solo project by British artist Mark Francis titled 'Sea of Sound'.
- The project is curated by Luca Tommasi.
- The Biennale theme is 'In Minor Keys' by Koyo Kouoh.
- The pavilion will have two rooms: a projection room and a painting room.
- The Biennale opens on May 9, 2026.
- After the Biennale, the pavilion will be replicated in San Marino for the first time.
- Mark Francis's works are in Tate Gallery, IMMA Ireland, and Arts Council England.
Entities
Artists
- Mark Francis
- Koyo Kouoh
- Luca Tommasi
- Eddie Martinez
- Marco Tonelli
Institutions
- FR Istituto d'Arte Contemporanea
- Tana Art Space
- Tate Gallery
- IMMA Ireland
- Arts Council England
- Palazzo Collicola
- Artribune
Locations
- San Marino
- Venice
- Italy
- Newtownards
- Northern Ireland
- Giardini
- Arsenale
- Fondamenta de la Tana
- Monte Titano