Government of Timor-Leste

Open Call for Timorese Artists - Timor-Leste Pavilion at 61st La Biennale di Venezia

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About the 61st International Art Exhibition at La Biennale di Venezia

La Biennale di Venezia is the oldest and most important cultural festival in the world, known for launching the careers of many artists and setting new trends in contemporary art. It is held every two years in Venice, Italy, showcasing over 90 National Pavilions at the Arsenale and Giardini and other venues around the city of Venice.

The Biennale is a prestigious art platform for contemporary artists worldwide and an important stage for diplomatic dialogue across nations.

The theme of the 61st International Art Exhibition is titled In Minor Keys.

The Biennale will be held from May 9 to November 22, 2026.

About the Timor-Leste Pavilion at La Biennale di Venezia

In 2024 Timor-Leste celebrated its inaugural Pavilion at the Biennale Arte 2024. The Pavilion presented Maria Madeira’s new project Kiss and Don’t Tell (2024). Madeira’s exhibition coincided with the 22nd anniversary of Timor-Leste’s independence from Indonesia. The 2024 Pavilion was curated by Professor Natalie King. The Curator for the upcoming 2026 Pavilion will be announced shortly.

Joining the Timor-Leste Pavilion offers the unique opportunity to forge a new ground for Timorese visual art and to build a new future for the country.

The Timor-Leste Pavilion is commissioned by the Ministry of Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste.

Open Call Deadlines

Application period: June 15 – July 15, 2025
Application deadline: 11:59 pm of July 15, 2025 (Dili, ​​GMT +09:00)