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Qatar to Establish Its Permanent Pavilion in Venice

In a momentous development for cultural diplomacy, Qatar has announced its plans to create a permanent national pavilion in the historic Giardini della Biennale, a venue rich in artistic history since it opened in 1895. Joining the ranks of 30 other nations, Qatar's pavilion will represent not just the country, but also its artistic vision and cultural aspirations in a global context. This initiative aligns with recent efforts to engage more deeply with art and architecture from the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia (MENASA) regions.

Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Chairperson of Qatar Museums and the commissioner for this new pavilion, emphasized the importance of La Biennale di Venezia, stating, "This event is the foremost international gathering in art and architecture, and the Giardini serves as a historic setting where remarkable pavilions act as ambassadors of their nations. Qatar is eager to contribute to this vibrant assembly of creativity, signaling our commitment to cultural diplomacy while amplifying the voice of our talented artists and architects."

The pavilion's construction is particularly significant as it marks only the third new addition to the permanent roster of pavilions in the past 50 years, following the openings of those from Australia and the Republic of Korea. The decision to establish the Qatar Pavilion is a progressive step that underscores the nation's drive towards becoming a cultural nexus in the Middle East.

Pietrangelo Buttafuoco, President of La Biennale di Venezia, welcomed Qatar to the Giardini. He noted the historic connection between Venice and Arabic culture, highlighting that Venice has long been a melting pot of languages and ethnicities. He expressed optimism that Qatar’s participation would further enhance the Biennale's spirit of creativity and cross-cultural exchange.

Scheduled for activation in May 2025, the pavilion will debut during the 19th International Architecture Exhibition, featuring an engaging installation titled Community Centre, designed by prominent Pakistani architect Yasmeen Lari. This installation will form part of a larger exhibition titled Beyti Beytak. My home is your home. La mia casa è la tua casa, honed to explore the themes of hospitality and the architectural expressions of welcome typical in the MENASA region.

The exhibition will not only showcase Lari’s design but also honor the contributions of more than 20 modern and contemporary architects from the MENASA areas, some of whom will be presenting their works in Venice for the first time. This broad representation aims to convey a rich tapestry of ideas, traditions, and narratives that characterize the diverse cultures of the region.

Curated by Aurélien Lemonier of the future Art Mill Museum and Sean Anderson, an Associate Professor at Cornell University, the exhibition has been organized by Qatar Museums and aims to foster a dialogue about where hospitality intersects with contemporary architectural practices. The initiative is anticipated to redefine perceptions of the Middle Eastern architectural narrative on an international scale.

In summary, Qatar's new pavilion at the Biennale signals not only the country's dedication to the global art scene but also its ambition to elevate the creative voices from the MENASA region. As the pavilion takes shape, it is poised to become a vital hub for cultural dialogue, inviting visitors to experience the richness and diversity of Middle Eastern art and architecture.