The Venice Biennale has been one of the most important events in the art scene since its creation in 1895. The first Biennale was held in the Palazzo dell'Esposizione, in the Giardini Castello, designed by architect Enrico Trevisanato, with a neoclassical façade by Marius de Maria.

The first Biennale was held in the Palazzo dell'Esposizione, in the Giardini Castello, designed by architect Enrico Trevisanato, with a neoclassical façade by Marius de Maria

The biennial's activities were interrupted only during the two world wars and the period under the direction of Carlo Ripa di Meana. It was resumed with one of the greatest exhibitions of all time, with a retrospective of Picasso's works and the presentation of renowned artists such as Chagall, Klee, Magritte and Braque.

The biennial's activities were interrupted only during the two world wars and the period under the direction of Carlo Ripa di Meana

Since that exhibition, the Biennial has featured prominent names in contemporary art, setting the course of the art world by introducing new trends such as American abstract expressionism, pop art or arte povera, and by presenting artists such as Anselm Kiefer and Marina Abramovic.

Since that exhibition, the Biennial has featured prominent names in contemporary art, setting the course of the art world by introducing new trends

The 60th edition of the Venice Art Biennale is taking place in 2024, with the participation of more than 80 countries and 330 artists from all over the world. The Biennale is titled "Stranieri Ovunque - Foreigners Everywhere," inspired by a series of neon sculptures by the Palermo-based Claire Fontaine collective. According to the curator, this title encloses several meanings, reflecting the omnipresence of foreigners or the feeling of being a foreigner everywhere.

The Biennale is titled "Stranieri Ovunque - Foreigners Everywhere," inspired by a series of neon sculptures by the Palermo-based Claire Fontaine collective

The Biennial is divided into two "Nuclei": one historical and one contemporary. The contemporary section explores the etymology of the word "foreign" in Romance languages, connecting it to the concept of "outsider" and providing a platform for queer artists, outsiders, indigenous artists and folk artists. This section is further divided into two frameworks: Diaspora Activism and Gender Disobedience.

The historical section features works from the 20th century, focusing on Latin American, African, Middle Eastern and Asian artists. Eurocentric definitions of modernism are questioned and global modernisms and modernisms of the Global South are highlighted. This section is divided into Portraits, Abstraction and the worldwide Italian artistic diaspora in the 20th century.

In addition to these curatorial programs, the Biennial will host exhibitions throughout the city and pavilions representing 88 countries. Established participants such as Spain, Italy, France, Belgium, Brazil and Germany will be joined by newcomers such as the Republic of East Timor, the Republic of Panama and Senegal, each with its own pavilion.

The Biennial will host exhibitions throughout the city and pavilions representing 88 countries.

This year, in addition to the Venice Art Biennale, the city will host the Biennale of Cinema, Theater, Dance and Music, as well as parallel programs offered by the Venice Biennale institution.