28 September 2016 — The Philippines will once again participate in next year’s Art Biennale (International Art Exhibition) to be held in Venice from May 13 until November 26, 2017.

In the meeting held at the Biennale headquarters in Venice attended by representatives from participating countries, Philippine Consul General to Milan Marichu Mauro reported that the Philippines is on time in its preparations for next year’s Biennale, adding that the curator and participating artists have been selected as well as the theme of the Philippine pavilion. 

The meeting was chaired by Mr. Paolo Baratta, President of the Venice Biennale, and was joined by Ms. Christine Macel, Curator and Artistic Director for 2017 Venice Art Biennale.  Ms. Macel presented the Biennale theme entitled “Viva Arte Viva”. Ms. Macel was for many years the Curator of Centre Georges Pompidou- Museum of Modern Art in Paris, France.  She has curated numerous contemporary art exhibits all over the world.   

The National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA), in cooperation with the Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Office of Senator Loren Legarda are taking the lead in this year’s participation.

Last year’s Philippine participation in the Venice Art Biennale was the Philippines’ first after 51 years. END