“A Place in the Sun” to represent Albania at the 61st Venice Art Biennale

Albania will be represented at the 61st Venice Art Biennale by artist Genti Korini with the project “A Place in the Sun,” selected as the national entry following an open call. The project was chosen as the most compelling proposal among 17 applications.

The jury composed of Adela Demetja, Katerina Gregos, Blanche de Lestrange, Elian Stefa, and Arnisa Zeqo highlighted its strong conceptual framework and precise visual execution. They noted that by combining archival research, folklore, and imagination, the work explores how collective memory and ideology shape identity and space, drawing connections between Albania’s past and its historical intersections with the Soviet Union.

Ahead of Albania’s participation in the Biennale, a public discussion was held focusing on the selection process, the artistic concept of “A Place in the Sun,” and the curatorial approach underpinning the project. The discussion underscored the significance of this participation for contemporary Albanian art, the role of public institutions in international cultural representation, and the importance of collaboration between institutional and independent actors in strengthening Albania’s presence on the global art scene.

The event brought together the representative artist Genti Korini, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Lira Pipa, Director of the National Gallery of Arts Adela Demetja, Elian Stefa, Director of the Albanian Visual Arts Network, as well as other figures from the cultural sector.