28 January 2015 – Philippine Consul General Marichu Mauro hosted a lunch in honor of Dr. Patrick Flores, curator of the Philippine Pavilion at this year’s International Art Exhibition, during his working visit to Venice. Also in attendance was Ms. Riya Lopez from the National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA), Mr. Rene Rietmeyer and assistants from the Global Art Foundation who are supporting the Philippines’ participation at the Biennale, and Philippine Embassy in Rome’s Chargé d’ Affaires Leila Lora Santos.
The working lunch was a continuation of the previous day’s technical meeting in relation to the organization of the Philippine Pavilion at the Venice Biennale. It was an opportunity for Dr. Flores and Ms. Lopez to clarify all the details towards a successful organization of the event.
The Philippine Pavilion will be located at the Palazzo Mora and will feature the theme “Tie a String Around the World”. La Biennale di Venezia as organizer for the 56th International Art Exhibition, will run from May 09 to November 22 and has an overall theme of “All the World’s Futures”.
The last time the Philippines participated was 50 years ago in 1964. The Philippines’ participation this year is largely due to the efforts of Senator Loren Legarda who felt it was time for the Philippines to once again make an appearance at the Biennale after half a century and show the unique talents of Filipino artists and richness of Philippine art and culture. END