Alma Allen’s US Pavilion Heads to Venice Amid Questions Over Selection Process
Artist Alma Allen’s selection to represent the United States at the 2026 Venice Biennale has prompted scrutiny of the US Pavilion’s selection process after the State Department replaced its long-standing model. Instead of museum proposals reviewed by a National Endowment for the Arts expert panel, the State Department turned to a new nonprofit, the American Arts Conservancy, led by Jenni Parido and working with independent curator Jeffrey Uslip, a shift reported by the New York Times. Critics including Robert Storr warned the change could squander an opportunity, and the Times reported that William Eggleston and Barbara Chase-Riboud declined involvement due to concerns about the political context and unfamiliar leadership. Allen, based in Mexico, said his work is not party-political and is preparing a pavilion featuring more than two dozen sculptures installed inside and outside; the Biennale is described as opening next month.
From This Briefing
This story was covered in Restitution Tangles, Warped Art Routes, Museum Reboots