Vanderbilt Artists Showcased at Prestigious Venice Biennale

Vanderbilt faculty artists invited to exhibit at the 61st International Art Exhibition in Venice, Italy.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 8:15am by

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A bold, abstract composition of stark, jagged geometric shapes in red and white, conceptually representing the global reach and impact of an international arts exhibition.Vanderbilt's debut at the prestigious Venice Biennale showcases the university's growing investment in the arts and its commitment to fostering global dialogues about the future of artistic expression.San Francisco Today

Vanderbilt University has been invited to participate in the 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, one of the most prestigious contemporary art events in the world. Two distinguished Vanderbilt faculty artists, Maria Magdalena Campos-Pons and Kamaal Malak, will present their works as part of the exhibition curated by Koyo Kouoh. Vanderbilt will also host a public program series in Venice called Resonance: Vanderbilt University in Venice to showcase the university's talent and contribute to the wider dialogue about the future of art.

Why it matters

Vanderbilt's first-ever presence at the Venice Biennale is a significant milestone, reflecting the excellence of the university's faculty and its growing investment in the arts. This opportunity allows Vanderbilt to showcase its talent on a global stage and contribute to the broader conversation about the role of art in shaping society.

The details

Vanderbilt faculty artists Maria Magdalena Campos-Pons and Kamaal Malak will present their works at the 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, curated by Koyo Kouoh. Campos-Pons is the founder of the Engine for Art, Democracy and Justice, a Vanderbilt-based research initiative that explores creative approaches to living together in the South. Vanderbilt will also host a public program series in Venice called Resonance: Vanderbilt University in Venice, which will feature exhibitions, sonic inquiry, and public convenings of global artists, curators, musicians, performers, writers, poets, scholars, and cultural leaders.

  • The Biennale Arte 2026 will be held in Venice, Italy, from May 9 through Nov. 22, 2026.
  • Vanderbilt's Resonance program in Venice will take place from May 10 to July 10, 2026.

The players

Daniel Diermeier

Chancellor of Vanderbilt University.

Koyo Kouoh

Curator of the 2026 Venice Biennale exhibition 'In Minor Keys'. Kouoh was the first African woman to be chosen as a curator for the Biennale and passed away in May 2025 after a brief battle with cancer.

Maria Magdalena Campos-Pons

MacArthur Fellow and Cornelius Vanderbilt Chair of Art at Vanderbilt University. She is also the founder of the Engine for Art, Democracy and Justice, a Vanderbilt-based research initiative.

Kamaal Malak

Artist-in-Residence of Culture, Advocacy and Leadership at Vanderbilt University.

C. Cybele Raver

Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at Vanderbilt University.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Vanderbilt's first-ever presence at the Venice Biennale is an important moment in the evolution of our university as we are expanding our reach and impact in the arts. It reflects both the excellence of our faculty and the momentum behind a broader effort to invest in new initiatives and create space for bold ideas to take shape in a global arts landscape.”

— Daniel Diermeier, Chancellor of Vanderbilt University

“Vanderbilt's participation in the Venice Biennale reflects an expanded investment in discovery through research and creative expression. Building on our momentum of Discovery Vanderbilt, this work is part of our integrated effort to support fellowships, foster dialogue and train the next generation of artists and innovators across Vanderbilt's growing multi-campus network. The Biennale creates a powerful platform for our faculty to drive conversations about the future of artistic expression and its role in shaping society.”

— C. Cybele Raver, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at Vanderbilt University

What’s next

Vanderbilt will continue to build on its momentum in the arts, expanding its presence and programming across its growing campus footprint, including in New York City and San Francisco.

The takeaway

Vanderbilt's invitation to the prestigious Venice Biennale showcases the university's commitment to elevating the arts and fostering a vibrant, global arts ecosystem. This milestone reflects Vanderbilt's investment in supporting creative expression, interdisciplinary dialogue, and the training of the next generation of artists and innovators.