Zachary Small
To Star at the Venice Biennale, Artists Need Patrons’ Deep Pockets - The New York Times
Jeffrey Gibson, the Indigenous artist representing the U.S. at the Venice Biennale, is facing challenges in funding his exhibition, relying mainly on private support. The government's financial contribution falls short of covering the rising costs, with a patchwork coalition working to secure donations for housing, installation, and other expenses. Organizers are actively fundraising to ensure Gibson's successful representation of the U.S. at the prestigious art event.
But with only six months until the April opening, the team behind his exhibition still needs to raise millions to reach the total of $5 million to complete work on the U.S. Pavilion. The government provides only $375,000 — roughly 7.5 percent of the projected cost of this year’s show. So a patchwork coalition of curators, gallerists, collectors and philanthropists is working overtime to secure donations to house and feed the artist and his workers, and install the Venice exhibition — while trying to ensure that Gibson isn’t saddled with debt for the honor of representing his country. (View Highlight)