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Qatar’s Permanent National Pavilion at Giardini della Biennale to Participate in the Venice Biennale International Art Exhibition Next Month

Doha, April 13 (QNA) - The Permanent National Pavilion of Qatar at the Giardini della Biennale in Venice, Italy, announced today its participation in the 61st edition of the Venice Biennale International Art Exhibition next month.

The pavilion will participate with the art exhibition 'Untitled... Gathering of Unique Voices,' featuring Rirkrit Tiravanija, Sophia Al-Maria, Tarek Atoui, Alia Farid, and Fadi Kattan. This exhibition continues the decades-long approach of artist Rirkrit Tiravanija, which is based on inviting participants to activate his architectural spaces and spatial scenarios.

Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, said in a statement today: 'On a global stage like the Venice Biennale, this exhibition demonstrates Qatar’s deep belief in the power of culture to weave bonds between people, open horizons for reflection and encounter, and affirm our shared humanity.'

Her Excellency expressed Qatar’s pride in being a platform that embraces creative talents in our country and the Arab world, where these works and their artists highlight the value of resilience in times of growing challenges, empower communities, inspire generations, and strengthen the features of our shared heritage.

Artist Rirkrit Tiravanija has specifically designed a tent-like structure for this edition of the international art exhibition, serving as a space for cultural exchange. It includes a film by Qatari-American artist Sophia Al-Maria, live performances curated by Lebanese artist Tarek Atoui, a large sculpture by Kuwaiti-Puerto Rican artist Alia Farid, and a program of Arab cuisine by Palestinian chef Fadi Kattan.

Qatar Museums is producing the 'Gathering of Unique Voices' exhibition, presented by the Qatar Quadriennale team (a contemporary art exhibition held every four years). The artistic assessment of the exhibition is shared by Tom Eccles, Executive Director of the Center for Curatorial Studies and the Hessel Museum of Art at Bard College, and Ruba Katrib, Chief Curator and Director of Artistic Affairs at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

The exhibition will take place at the site of Qatar's future permanent pavilion, designed by Lina Ghotmeh Architecture company, in the Giardini della Biennale (Biennale Gardens).

Tom Eccles said: 'We are proud that the 'Gathering of Unique Voices' exhibition is an extension of Tiravanija's artistic work that was presented in Doha as part of the Qatar Quadriennale. The distinguished collaborating artists will continue to bring the interactive and participatory character of this new and expanded work in Venice, including its aim to enrich both spirit and body.'

For her part, Ruba Katrib said: 'By involving artists, musicians, poets, and chefs, the exhibition demonstrates that culture is the permanent bond that unites us. Connecting people at this moment has become more important than ever. It is indeed an indispensable necessity.'

For his part, artist Rirkrit Tiravanija expressed his pride in working with Qatar Museums, the Qatar Quadriennale team, and all the artists who will contribute to enriching this experience in Venice, noting that Sophia Al-Maria, Tarek Atoui, Alia Farid, and Fadi Kattan represent different aspects of Arab culture, which will unite in the Qatar Pavilion to show how we can all come together and share.

Among the notable artworks and interactive experiences to be presented is an experimental documentary film by Qatari-American artist Sophia Al-Maria, in which the protagonist embarks on a dreamlike journey exploring the transformative potential of music and sound. Also featured is a large sculpture titled 'Jerrycan' by artist Alia Farid, part of her series of larger-than-life works based on vessels once used in the Gulf region for storing and transporting water.

Participating artworks also include performances by Tarek Atoui in collaboration with musicians and poets—improvisational performances that engage with field recordings, archival sources, and other sonic elements from across the Arab world. Additionally, Fadi Kattan's cooking program highlights chefs from the Middle East and North Africa whose recipes blend authenticity with innovation, often focusing on a single ingredient to trace the cultural impact of migration and trade.

Culture

Qatar

Qatar’s Permanent National Pavilion

Giardini della Biennale

Italy

Venice International Art Exhibition