The National Pavilion of Saudi Arabia has announced that Antonia Carver, Director of Art Jameel, will curate the Kingdom’s presentation at the 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, taking place from 9 May to 22 November 2026. Commissioned by the Visual Arts Commission under the Ministry of Culture, the pavilion marks Saudi Arabia’s fifth participation in Biennale Arte.
Carver brings to the role extensive experience in building and leading cultural institutions across the region. She has led Art Jameel since 2016, overseeing its programmes across the arts and learning, and playing a central role in the development of Hayy Jameel in Jeddah and Jameel Arts Centre in Dubai. Earlier in her career, she served as director of Art Dubai from 2010 to 2016, and held roles in editorial, curatorial and strategic programming capacities, including at Bidoun and the Dubai International Film Festival.
Her appointment also reflects an international dimension that connects regional practice with a broader global context. Before moving to the Gulf in 2001, Carver was based in London, where she worked in publishing and cultural institutions, including Phaidon Press, the Institute of International Visual Arts, and G+B Arts International. This background brings a curatorial perspective shaped by both regional engagement and experience within the UK’s cultural landscape.
For Biennale Arte 2026, Carver will work with artist Dana Awartani and assistant curator Hafsa Alkhudairi, within the curatorial framework In Minor Keys, developed for the 2026 edition by Koyo Kouoh and being realised by La Biennale following her passing. In the official announcement, Carver noted her interest in presenting Awartani’s work to a global audience, highlighting a practice that engages with craft traditions, artisanal histories and contemporary artistic approaches.
The pavilion will be presented at the Arsenale, Sale d’Armi in Venice. It reflects the continued evolution of Saudi Arabia’s cultural presence on the international stage, shaped through collaborations that are locally grounded, globally connected and open to exchange across artistic and institutional contexts.
