It became a tradition for Venice Biennale to have rich collateral programming in addition to its main displays at Arsenale and Giardini. The selection of exhibitions this year shows a common theme of exploring the intricacies of our present condition, from the creation of an imaginary Pan-African community in one show to explorations of the emotional complexity behind human relationships and a variety of approaches and languages developed to address this complex topic.
At Castello Gallery, visitors will have an opportunity to get a passport or a visa at the All African People's Consulate, while Salone Verde will feature embroideries and paintings by a group of artists who explore women's empowerment. Ecological concerns are also part of the dialogue, with several collateral events focusing on land and our environmental footprint.
All African People’s Consulate at Castello Gallery
Organized by the Open Society Foundation and The Africa Center, and curated by Paul Bright, All African People's Consulate conceptual work by Dread Scott is a functioning consulate for an imaginary Pan-African, Afrotourist union of countries.
In contrast to the existing immigration checkpoints, the All African People's Consulate does not constrain movement but instead facilitates it. Visitors can apply for a passport or visa for which they undergo an interview about their relationship with Africa with the Consulate staff. Then, the Consulate will issue a citizenship or visa, allowing them entry into this futurist, global community.
Scott inverts what is the dominant image about the region—of Black people impacted by violence who are desperate to escape from the African continent— and instead offers a place of refuge from all forms of oppression, a free state that is truly democratic and open.
