Tuesday 14 / April / 2026
Muscat--- The Sultanate of Oman continues to consolidate its international cultural presence through its participation in the 61st International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia, taking place from 9 May to 22 November 2026 in Venice.
Oman will be represented by a national pavilion commissioned by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, located at the Arsenale—one of the Biennale’s principal exhibition venues.
This marks Oman’s third participation in the Venice Biennale, reflecting an evolving trajectory that underscores its commitment to strengthening its position within the global cultural landscape. The participation affirms culture as a vital platform for international engagement and as a meaningful channel for fostering dialogue and exchange across cultures.
Widely recognized as one of the most prestigious platforms for contemporary art, La Biennale di Venezia brings together official national participations from around the world, creating a dynamic space for artistic exchange and critical discourse within an ever-evolving global context.
The 61st edition is held under the title “In Minor Keys,” a curatorial framework that foregrounds subtle, human-centered expressions and layered cultural narratives. This approach resonates with Oman’s perspective, which seeks to articulate a cultural presence grounded in balance, attentiveness, and a nuanced understanding of the relationship between individuals and their environments.
Within this context, Oman’s participation draws on a set of values embedded in its cultural experience—where notions of care, balance, and respect for diversity are not merely stated, but enacted as living practices within contemporary cultural expression.
Sayyid Saud Hilal Al Busaidi, Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth said in a statement, “Oman’s participation in the 2026 Venice Biennale reflects a firm national commitment to strengthening its cultural presence on the international stage, and to positioning culture as a key pillar of soft power and a vital avenue for fostering dialogue and mutual understanding among nations.
He added, “We believe Omani culture holds the power to contribute meaningfully to the global cultural discourse, offering a civilizational model that speaks to the profound depth of the Omani experience. By drawing on rooted values of moderation, balance, and openness, we seek to cultivate an international presence that is both resonant and enduring.”
On his turn, Haitham Mohammed Al Busafi, Curator and Artist of the National Pavilion of the Sultanate of Oman for the 61st International Art Exhibition said, “Representing Oman in this global forum is an unmatched opportunity to bring forth the nuances of our deep culture through “In Minor Keys”, the theme of this Biennale, which calls for art that manifests in 'quiet tones and lower frequencies'. A culture that adorns its horses is a culture that refuses to treat any companion as a mere instrument, but as an extension of the self. In our Omani culture, the al-zaanah teaches us that adornment is not about possession or display but is an act of recognition.”
