Africa in Venice 2007
Sue Williamson
The question of how the artists of Africa and the diaspora will be represented at the 52nd Venice Biennale seemed to be addressed by an email forwarded to ArtThrob this week which called for proposals from potential curators (see below).
At the 2005 Biennale, contrary to the two previous manifestations of the mega event, there was no specific African representation, although seven South African artists were on the two main shows in the Italian Pavilion and the Arsenale.
So this email seems to suggest a return to a specific focus on the contemporary art of Africa. However, there are also rumours on the net that other plans are afoot. Emails from ArtThrob to the organising body in Venice and others have not yet brought replies.
As the date on this email calls for proposals by October 31, a very short time indeed to meet all the requirements asked for, we would be remiss if we did not publish this now, so here it is, as received. We will update as soon as more information is forthcoming.
Biennale Art...52nd International Art Exhibition
African Pavilion
Call for proposals
As an integral part of the 52nd International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, which will run from June 10 to November 21, 2007, a space has been opened up in the core of the international exhibition area and set aside for a special African Pavilion. La Biennale di Venezia invites proposals for such an exhibition, from any interested parties with expertise and a broad view of contemporary art in Africa.
The goal is an exhibition that will offer an informed and distinctive perspective on current work being made on the African continent, and, at the discretion of the curators, in the African diaspora. It is not intended that this pavilion be constituted as an amalgam of national or regional pavilions.
Those interested should submit detailed plans for an exhibition and for the financial support of that exhibition by and no later than October 31, 2006.
As its contribution to the project, La Biennale di Venezia will make the space available for free, in the Artiglierie building at the Arsenale, and will provide basic security and electricity during the run of the show (exceptional needs with regard to the latter will be the responsibility of the organisers.)
Proposals must include the following information and documentation:
title or provisional title of the exhibition
theme and basic organising principles
name of the organising institution
names and qualifications of the curators and their collaborators
list of the proposed exhibitors with their biographies
a selection of images of the exhibitors' work with captioned information on it
budget of the proposed exhibition, and statement by the organisers regarding their plan for the total coverage of these costs including a list of the financing institutions and/or sponsors of theexhibition
Proposals must be mailed in four paper copies to the following address:
Fondazione La Biennale di Venezia
Visual Art Section
Palazzo Giustinian Lolin
San Vidal 2893
30124 Venezia
Italy
Selection of the final proposals will be made at the end of November 2006 by a panel of experts chaired by the Director of the 52nd International Art Exhibition.
For further information, please contact:
Fondazione La Biennale di Venezia
Visual Art Section
Palazzo Giustinian Lolin
San Vidal 2893
30124 Venezia
Italy
Tel: +39 041 5218718
Fax: +39 041 5218704
Email: african.art52@labiennale.org
