10 Apr Visiting Venice and its Contemporary Art events | Biennale Arte, Arte Laguna Prize, and much more
The artistic season in Venice is about to begin, full of openings, cultural events, and new developments.
The city of Venice is preparing to reopen its doors to Contemporary Art, welcoming to its historic center numerous exhibitions and symbolic events that rightfully become part of the history and tradition of Venetian culture.
Biennale Arte 2026
One of the most widely discussed cultural themes in recent years is that of Contemporary Art, whose works leave a mark on the public thanks to their ability to speak frankly to their viewers. The most emblematic event that narrates global innovations is the Venice Art Biennale, scheduled from May 9 to November 22, 2026, curated by Koyo Kouoh – who passed away prematurely – which follows the theme “In Minor Keys” addressing themes such as enchantment, fertility and sharing.
The Protagonists of the Biennale and MoCA
Among the new features of 2026 are the new participations of countries that will be able to present their work within the context of the Biennale for the first time, including the pavilion of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, at Ca’ Faccanon, which has the honour of hosting an artist already well-known and present on the MoCA and Arte Laguna circuit: Henry Le (Le Huu Hieu).
In fact, the artist had already had the pleasure of being exhibited at the Arsenale Nord in 2021 under the guidance of the Arte Laguna Prize organization.
Not just artists, but also curators: in 2026 the association and Arte Laguna will share an exceptional curator with the Art Biennale, Yuko Hasegawa. The curator has joined the jury of the 21st Arte Laguna Prize open call, taking on the task of actively participating in the selection of the 120 new proposals that will be presented at the Arsenale Nord in November 2026. For the 2026 Art Biennale, Hasegawa is curating the Syrian Arab Republic Pavilion, as he did for the 2010 Architecture Biennale and the Japan Pavilion in 2003.
Contemporary Art: Highlights in Venice
Among the most important events in 2026 related to international contemporary art are also worth mentioning: Venice Glass Week in September, Venice Design Week in October, Marina Abramović at the Gallerie dell’Accademia from May to October, and Jenny Saville at Ca’ Pesaro.
The MoCA (Modern and Contemporary Art) Association will actively participate in the city’s cultural enrichment, with its constant commitment to promoting contemporary artists and with the Arte Laguna Prize event, now well-established at the Arsenale Nord in Venice, which will follow the results of the Open Call (active until June 30).