Subtitle: Reflections on the Venice Biennale and Art for Tomorrow Conference
This spring, Venice—the floating city of bridges and biennales—became a global stage for urgent conversations about art, identity, and the forces shaping our world. Two events anchored this dialogue: the 60th Venice Biennale, curated by Adriano Pedrosa under the provocative title “Stranieri Ovunque – Foreigners Everywhere,” and the Art for Tomorrow Conference, a collaboration between the New York Times and leading cultural institutions that convened artists, policymakers, and thinkers to explore culture’s role in a fractured world. For museums, galleries, and cultural institutions navigating 2024’s complexities, these gatherings offered both inspiration and a roadmap for meaningful action.
Art as a lens on global mobility
The Biennale’s theme, “Foreigners Everywhere,” transcended borders—both literal and metaphorical. Adriano Pedrosa’s curation centered marginalized voices, from Indigenous artists reclaiming ancestral narratives to diasporic creators interrogating notions of belonging. In the Brazilian Pavilion, works by Indigenous collectives juxtaposed traditional motifs with urban landscapes, challenging stereotypes of “authenticity.”
At the Art for Tomorrow Conference, panels echoed this sentiment, with Syrian and Ukrainian artists discussing craft as resistance. A recurring thread emerged: art is not just a reflection of displacement but a tool for redefining identity in flux. For institutions, the challenge is clear—curate with intentionality, partnering with communities to co-create narratives that resonate beyond gallery walls.
Technology: partner or disruptor?
The ethical implications of AI loomed large in Venice. At the Biennale’s Nordic Pavilion, a solar-powered installation fused data and traditional Sami storytelling, proving technology could deepen—not dilute—cultural connections. Across the canal, Refik Anadol’s keynote at Art for Tomorrow showcased AI’s potential to assist creation, transforming crowd-sourced data into ethereal digital sculptures. Yet, amid the optimism, cautionary notes prevailed. Panelists warned of AI-generated art eclipsing human craftsmanship without transparency, urging institutions to adopt clear ethical frameworks.
The lesson? Technology should serve as a bridge, not a replacement. Museums might pilot AR guides to decode complex histories or use machine learning to personalize visitor experiences. But the human hand—and heart—must remain central.
Sustainability beyond the surface
Venice itself, a city grappling with rising tides and overtourism, became a case study in balancing preservation and progress. The Biennale’s Nordic countries’ pavilion, constructed entirely from recycled materials, set a benchmark for eco-conscious design. Nearby, the Art for Tomorrow Conference offset its carbon footprint by funding Venice lagoon restoration—a symbolic nod to the fragility of cultural ecosystems.
For institutions, sustainability is no longer optional. Simple steps—opting for LED lighting, reducing single-use plastics in cafes, or partnering with local green initiatives—can align global ambitions with grassroots action. The goal? To prove that cultural stewardship and planetary stewardship are inseparable.
Rethinking tourism: from crowds to connections
Venice’s struggle with overtourism cast a shadow over both events. The Biennale responded by extending its reach beyond the Giardini, staging satellite exhibitions in lesser-known sestieri (districts) to disperse visitors and support local businesses. Art for Tomorrow, meanwhile, leveraged VR to offer global access to keynote talks, proving that digital engagement need not compromise impact.
The takeaway? Cultural institutions can adopt hybrid models—virtual tours for global audiences, timed ticketing to manage foot traffic, or off-peak events that reward deeper engagement. The goal isn’t just to attract visitors but to cultivate meaningful encounters.
