×
Get latest travel news
La Biennale di Venezia has officially announced the 61st International Art Exhibition, titled “In Minor Keys,” which will take place from May 9 to November 22, 2026, across key venues in Venice including Giardini, Arsenale, and other selected locations. Curated by Koyo Kouoh, this year’s exhibition will delve into voices, histories, and perspectives that are often marginalized, encouraging audiences to engage with themes of identity, memory, territory, and belonging through contemporary artistic expressions.
The upcoming Venice Biennale promises an impressive lineup with the participation of 100 national exhibitors and 31 collateral events, positioning it as one of the most extensive iterations in the Biennale’s history. A significant highlight is the inclusion of numerous new countries from Africa and beyond, showcasing a focus on diverse geographies and resonant narratives.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Among the notable first-time participants at this prestigious art exhibition, Equatorial Guinea has been named alongside six other countries, including Guinea, Nauru, Qatar, Sierra Leone, Somalia, and Viet Nam. This marks Equatorial Guinea’s official entry into the Biennale landscape, underlining the importance of its presence on this global stage.
This significant event recognizes Equatorial Guinea as part of a growing trend where 13 African countries will have national pavilions, representing one of the most remarkable gatherings of African artistic representation in the Venice Biennale to date. Equatorial Guinea’s involvement is framed as part of a larger effort to ensure a more equitable portrayal of African artistic voices in major international exhibitions.
The pavilion representing Equatorial Guinea will be titled “The Forest / The Undergrowth” and will be located at the historic Palazzo Donà dalle Rose in the Cannaregio district of Venice, known for hosting international art projects. The exhibition is commissioned by Paulo Speller and curated by Joan Abelló, featuring contributions from artists such as Fernando Nguema Madja and Modest Gené Roig, along with various international collaborators.
This unique curatorial approach focuses on ecological systems, forest cosmologies, and the intricate interplay between environmental knowledge and cultural identity. By utilizing the equatorial forest and its undergrowth as metaphors and experiential spaces, the exhibition encourages visitors to reflect on the interconnections between ancestral heritage, collective memory, and environmental practices.
The 2026 edition of the Biennale not only marks a milestone with a higher number of African national pavilions but also signifies a transformative shift in how global narratives are articulated. First-time participants like Equatorial Guinea, Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Somalia indicate a move toward a more polyphonic representation of contemporary art where various historical narratives and local contexts can take center stage.
This increase in African representation aligns with Koyo Kouoh’s curatorial vision, which emphasizes histories and voices traditionally relegated to the margins of the art world. Consequently, Equatorial Guinea’s pavilion plays a critical role in the ongoing reframing of African art presentations at Venice, moving from isolated showcases to more sustained institutional and national participation.
The Grand Hotel Djibloho has publicly voiced its support for Equatorial Guinea’s participation in the Venice Biennale 2026, framing this backing as part of its commitment to enhancing the country’s cultural footprint on the global stage. This endorsement reflects the hotel’s belief in culture as a crucial pillar for development, dialogue, and international representation.
Located in Djibloho, the Grand Hotel Djibloho offers a comprehensive hospitality experience, including spa and wellness facilities, varied dining options, and event spaces. The hotel’s involvement with international cultural initiatives, such as the Young Chef Olympiad 2026, highlights its strategy to better integrate its hospitality offerings with educational, culinary, and artistic endeavors. This not only enhances its profile but also positions Equatorial Guinea as a nation actively engaged in global cultural conversations.
Source: The post Grand Hotel Djibloho Backs Equatorial Guinea’s Venice Biennale Participation: All You Need To Know first appeared on www.travelandtourworld.com.
