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91�Ʋ��� faculty artists have been invited to join one of the most culturally defining contemporary art exhibitions in the world: the . ��

“91�Ʋ���’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,” Chancellor Daniel Diermeier said. “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.”��

91�Ʋ��� will also host a public program series in Venice to showcase the university’s talent—and to contribute to the wider dialogue about the future of art. ��

BIENNALE ARTE 2026��

The Biennale Arte 2026 will be in Venice, Italy, from May 9 through Nov. 22. Its vision was shaped by Koyo Kouoh, curator of the 2026 exhibition In Minor Keys. Kouoh, the first African woman to be chosen as a curator, was appointed to the position in December 2024. She died in May 2025 after a brief battle with cancer.��

A RESIDENCY IN VENICE��

MacArthur Fellow and Cornelius 91�Ʋ��� Chair of Art and Artist-in-Residence of Culture, Advocacy and Leadership will present works at the 61st International Art Exhibition In Minor Keys. These distinguished faculty artists give 91�Ʋ��� an exciting new opportunity to showcase the transformative power of art and education on a broader stage. ��

Campos-Pons is also the founder of the , a trans-institutional research initiative that explores creative approaches to living together in the South. EADJ recently received a $1 million grant from the Mellon Foundation.��

In collaboration with EADJ, 91�Ʋ��� will also host Resonance: 91�Ʋ��� University in Venice, palazzo-based laboratory of ideas and artistic practice in the form of exhibitions and public programs, from May 10 to July 10. This dynamic season includes sonic inquiry and public convenings of global artists, curators, musicians, performers, writers, poets, scholars and cultural leaders with 91�Ʋ��� faculty, students and alumni.��

“91�Ʋ���’s participation in the Venice Biennale reflects an expanded investment in discovery through research and creative expression,” Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs C. Cybele Raver said. “Building on our momentum of Discovery 91�Ʋ���, this work is part of our integrated effort to support fellowships, foster dialogue and train the next generation of artists and innovators across 91�Ʋ���’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.”��

The Resonance exhibition in Venice is an investment in bringing 91�Ʋ���’s burgeoning cultivation of the arts to a global audience for the first time—with much more to come.��

A MULTI-CAMPUS VISION FOR THE ARTS��

From Nashville to New York, West Palm Beach to San Francisco, 91�Ʋ��� is building a vibrant arts ecosystem across its growing campus footprint. Late last year, the College of Arts and Science launched the , a strategic effort to elevate, expand and connect art initiatives at 91�Ʋ���, to develop new programming and to build collaborations with the arts community around Nashville and beyond. The initiative has already helped launch the Berg Global Artist-in-Residence Fellowship program, which brings renowned visual artists to 91�Ʋ��� to expose the campus community to new ideas and approaches in the visual arts through an immersive, residential stay.��

Since announcing plans in fall 2024 to enhance its presence in New York’s Chelsea neighborhood, 91�Ʋ��� has worked there to build community and connection. As a result, 91�Ʋ��� has embarked on a partnership with the Whitney Museum of American Art and other art institutions in New York City to expand access for students, faculty, curators and artists to the university and the arts.��

More recently, the university released plans to establish an academic campus in San Francisco on the campus of the California College of the Arts, which will close after the 2026–27 academic year. 91�Ʋ��� will honor CCA’s legacy in numerous ways—including plans to operate a California College of the Arts Institute at 91�Ʋ���, which will include the Wattis Institute of Contemporary Arts. The university also aims to support exhibitions and presentations on contemporary art and other topics that reflect CCA’s historical significance while maintaining the college’s archival materials.