US Pavilion at Venice Biennale turns to online donations amid opaque funding
The 2026 Venice Biennale will showcase artist Alma Allen in the US Pavilion, which is currently seeking financial support through online contributions via the American Arts Conservancy (AAC) due to a lack of corporate sponsorship. The US government has allocated $375,000, yet the overall expenses remain unknown; previous pavilions typically ranged from $5 to $7 million. Jenni Parido, Executive Director of AAC, stated that no institutional funding has been obtained. Donors will be acknowledged on the pavilion wall. Social media posts from AAC indicate that associates of Trump participated in fundraising events. While Perrotin Gallery is providing operational assistance, it has not contributed financially. The selection of Allen and curator Jeffrey Uslip occurred without a formal application process. AAC intends to contribute some funds to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. Tensions are escalating as the Biennale preview approaches.
Key facts
- US Pavilion at 2026 Venice Biennale features artist Alma Allen.
- Funding is raised via online donations through the American Arts Conservancy (AAC).
- No corporate or foundation sponsors have publicly backed the exhibition.
- US government provided $375,000; total cost undisclosed.
- Past pavilions cost $5–7 million.
- AAC Executive Director Jenni Parido previously ran a pet food store in Florida.
- Individual donor names will appear on the pavilion wall.
- Trump allies, including Rufus Hankey, attended AAC benefit events.
- Perrotin Gallery provides operational support but no funding.
- Artist selection process was irregular; initial picks John Ravenal and Robert Lazzarini were dropped.
- Alma Allen and curator Jeffrey Uslip appointed without official application.
- State Department uses term 'American Excellence' for pavilion.
- AAC plans to donate some funds to Peggy Guggenheim Collection.
- Biennale jury excludes countries with ICC-charged leaders from Golden Lions.
Entities
Artists
- Alma Allen
- Jeffrey Gibson
- Simone Leigh
- Robert Lazzarini
- John Ravenal
- Jeffrey Uslip
Institutions
- United States Pavilion
- Venice Biennale
- American Arts Conservancy (AAC)
- State Department
- National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)
- Ford Foundation
- Mellon Foundation
- Perrotin Gallery
- Mendes Wood DM
- Olney Gleason
- Sotheby's
- University of South Florida
- Peggy Guggenheim Collection
- Smithsonian Institution
- International Criminal Court (ICC)
- Hyperallergic
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
- United States
- Florida
- Mexico
- New York