The 2026 Venice Biennale promises to be another battleground for national pride and artistic innovation. With each nation vying for attention in its pavilion or through collateral events, this year's edition will showcase a diverse array of works from around the globe.

Among the highlights is the return of Russia to the Giardini, where it has a permanent pavilion, while Israel will present its exhibit at the Arsenale due to renovations in its main venue. The US pavilion remains privately owned by the Guggenheim Foundation, which ensures operational readiness for selected artists.

Notably, Qatar is set to build a new pavilion in the Giardini, marking it as the latest soft-power push from this small nation. First-time participants include Guinea, Equatorial Guinea, Nauru, Sierra Leone, Somalia and Vietnam, while El Salvador will make its debut with its own dedicated pavilion.

The exhibition 'In Minor Keys' at both the Giardini and Arsenale is a fitting tribute to Koyo Kouoh, the late curator whose vision lives on through her chosen works. The show reflects solidarity among Trans-Atlantic Black and African communities, inspired by the writings of diasporic authors like Patrick Chamoiseau and James Baldwin.