61st International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia
Venice, May 9 – November 22, 2026

In the context of the upcoming International Art Exhibition in Venice, the Ministry of Economy, Culture, and Innovation, in its capacity as Commissioner of the Albanian Pavilion, announces an open call for the submission of a project proposal for the Albanian Pavilion at the Venice Art Biennale, which will be open to the public from May 9 to November 22, 2026 (pre-opening: May 6, 7, and 8) in the Giardini, Arsenale, and other venues across Venice, under the theme: “In Minor Keys”, curated by Koyo Kouoh.

For more information on the theme, please visit the Biennale di Venezia website:
https://www.labiennale.org/en/news/biennale-arte-2026-minor-keys

The Ministry of Economy, Culture, and Innovation invites project ideas inspired by a critical observation of contemporary art and Albanian society, especially where transformation occurs, as well as the visual tools through which these will be communicated to the general public and professionals alike. The call is open to joint proposals from artist-curator duos or collectives for the creation of one or more new artistic works aimed at a dignified and representative presentation of the official Pavilion of the Republic of Albania.

CANDIDATE PROFILE:

1. Applicants may be individuals or teams consisting of contemporary artists, architectural studios, or multidisciplinary collectives including professionals such as:
   • Visual artists / Architects (as project leaders)
   • Graphic designers
   • Art critics
   • Artisans
   • Urban sociologists
   • Urban planners
   • Or other professionals relevant to the artistic project.
2. Must demonstrate strong knowledge of Albanian art.
3. Must have national and international experience in the field of art, evidenced through a portfolio.
4. Must be Albanian citizens.

THE CANDIDATE MUST BE ABLE TO:

1. Develop an original curatorial concept:

Conduct in-depth research and formulate a unique and clear concept, accompanied by a coherent curatorial narrative that reflects Albanian cultural identity and engages with contemporary art themes.

2. Design the artistic-curatorial project for the Albanian Pavilion:

Build an integrated project covering the full content of the exhibition, including:

• Artistic works (e.g., painting, sculpture, photography, installations, models, audiovisual materials);
• Interpretative and informative texts for exhibition panels.

3. Develop the accompanying cultural program:

Design a public program (events, talks, performances, collaborations) to accompany the Albanian Pavilion throughout the Biennale, engaging with the international audience and promoting Albanian art and culture.

4. Execute and manage the full implementation of the project:

• Curate and produce the exhibition;
• Manage logistics and technical aspects of the project;
• Coordinate continuously with MEKI’s authorized representatives and Biennale’s organizing team;
• Contribute to the official Pavilion catalogue, through to publication;
• Oversee the budget and adhere to deadlines.

The Ministry encourages candidates to collaborate with both local and international artists/curators who have relevant experience in similar events and exhibitions.

CURATOR REQUIREMENTS:

1. May be Albanian or foreign citizens;
2. Must be familiar with Albania’s visual art scene and international contemporary art developments;
3. Should have a recognized professional and/or international profile;
4. Must demonstrate curatorial experience in contemporary art exhibitions.

CURATOR TASKS:

1. Develop the Pavilion’s curatorial concept in coordination with the artist(s);
2. Design the cultural program together with the artist(s), and in coordination with MEKI representatives;
3. Define curatorial approach to the media used in the Pavilion;
4. Co-manage the official Pavilion catalogue through to publication;
5. Work closely with the artist and coordinate with the PR team up to and beyond the opening of the Pavilion.

 

SELECTION PROCEDURE:

Project ideas and completed proposals will be evaluated by a 5-member international jury. The evaluation will be based on the following criteria:

1. Relevance to the theme of the 61st Venice Biennale (30 points);
2. Clarity and originality of the project idea (30 points);
3. Ability of the artistic/curatorial concept to be made tangible, visible, and communicable to the public (20 points);
4. Artistic and visual strength of the project and its potential to be translated into a strong visual language (10 points);
5. Capacity and experience to communicate the project to audiences and critics, and to build new audiences (10 points).

APPLICATION DOSSIER:

The application must include:

1. The application form (download HERE)
2. A clearly articulated synopsis (max 1000 words) on the theme “In Minor Keys”
3. Research methodology, expected findings, and how they will be realized in the Pavilion
4. Visual materials illustrating the exhibition vision
5. Portfolio of previous work by the team and/or its members
6. CVs of team members and team leader (max one page each)
7. Criminal record certificate / declaration of legal status

Applicants are free to choose the formats and media for presenting their ideas. They are encouraged to follow the guidelines set by the Curator of the 61st Biennale, available at www.labiennale.org.

TECHNICAL DETAILS FOR THE ALBANIAN PAVILION:

The Albanian Pavilion will be located on the first floor of Sale d’Armi A at the Arsenale, with a total area of 105 m². Floor plans, section drawings, and images of the pavilion can be found HERE.

SUBMISSION OF THE DOSSIER:

The dossier must:

1. Be prepared in both Albanian and English;
2. Be sent by post (both printed and digital) to:
   Technical Secretariat of the Biennale, Ministry of Economy, Culture, and Innovation, “Dëshmorët e 4 Shkurtit” Street, Tirana
3. Be submitted electronically to: biennale2026@meki.gov.al;
4. Be submitted no later than September 14, 2025.