Influences
Under High Royal Instructions, Akhannouch Inaugurates the Moroccan Pavilion at the 61st Venice Biennale
The Venice Art Biennale is one of the most prestigious events on the international art scene. Held every two years, alternating with the Architecture Biennale, it is an unmissable rendezvous in the world of art.
Under High Instructions from His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the Head of Government, Aziz Akhannouch, on Friday inaugurated the Moroccan Pavilion at the 61st International Art Exhibition of the 2026 Venice Biennale.
On this occasion, Mr Akhannouch, accompanied by a high‑level delegation including the Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid; the President of the National Museums Foundation (FNM), Mehdi Qotbi; the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Rome, Youssef Balla; the Consul General of Morocco in Verona, Abdelilah Nejjari; as well as the Commissioner of the Pavilion of the Kingdom of Morocco, Mohamed Benyacoub, visited the national pavilion installed at the heart of the historic Arsenale site in Italy.
Led by artist Amina Agueznay and curator Meryem Berrada, the project “Asǝṭṭa” represents Morocco at this major international art exhibition, which will animate the City of the Doges until next November.
The Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication had launched a call for projects for the design, production, and realisation of an exhibition at the Kingdom’s Pavilion, attracting 29 submissions from Moroccan artists and curators. The selected project was designated following deliberations by a jury chaired by Mr Qotbi.
This artistic project reflects the plural richness of Moroccan heritage and its contemporary resonances, highlighting artisanal know‑how as a narrative medium, in full alignment with the overarching theme of this edition: “In Minor Keys.”
Morocco’s participation in this 61st Venice Biennale represents a unique opportunity to showcase the richness and diversity of Moroccan artistic creation, while engaging in a global dialogue on the transformations and innovations of contemporary art.
Founded in 1895, the Venice Art Biennale is one of the most prestigious events on the international art scene. Organised every two years, alternating with the Architecture Biennale, it is an unmissable landmark in the world of art.
