Venice Architecture and International Art Biennales Postponed

Following an announcement by the Venice Biennale President Roberto Cicutto, both the 17th International Architecture Exhibition and the 59th International Art Exhibition have been moved to a later date. “The last few days,” declared Cicutto in an official statement, “have clarified the real state of the situation we are all facing. We have decided to listen to those, the majority, who requested that the Biennale Architettura be postponed.”

The Venice Architecture Biennale, curated by Hashim Sarkis, has been rescheduled from its August 29th opening to May 22nd 2021, with a planned run of six months. In the official statement, the organizers listed the uncertainty of shipments, closure of institutions and studios, and personal travel restraints due to Covid-19 as elements that contributed to this decision.The Venice Biennale of International Art, curated by New York-based Cecilia Alemani, has also been postponed from a 2021 opening to 2022. 

The Venice Biennales, however, are not alone in this decision as other major European art events have been postponed following the global situation. Art Basel, usually in June, has been moved to September. In addition, the Berlin Biennale and Manifesta Biennial have also been pushed back. 

Commenting on the new date, Sarkis stated, “I am deeply moved by the perseverance of all the Participants during the last three months – stated I hope that the new opening date will allow them first to catch their breath, and then to complete their work with the time and vigor it truly deserves.”

– Jori Bonadurer