Qatar Pavilion at the 61st Venice Biennale: untitled 2026 (a gathering of remarkable people)

untitled 2026 is Qatar’s contribution to the 61st International Art Exhibition in Venice. Led by Rirkrit Tiravanija, the project is conceived as a communal space modeled on regional meeting places, bringing together artists, musicians and chefs from the Arab world.

• Lead artist: Rirkrit Tiravanija
• Key collaborators: Sophia Al‑Maria (experimental film), Tarek Atoui (sound performances), Alia Farid (large‑scale Jerrican sculpture), Fadi Kattan (culinary program)
• Curators: Tom Eccles and Ruba Katrib
• Venue: Giardini of the Venice Biennale, site of the future Qatar Pavilion designed by Lina Ghotmeh

The exhibition combines audiovisual, sculptural, performative and culinary practices to create an immersive, participatory environment. A tent‑like temporary structure hosts film screenings, improvised musical sessions and culinary events that trace cultural exchanges across the MENA region.

Highlights include Sophia Al‑Maria’s dreamlike film, Tarek Atoui’s improvisational collaborations inspired by takht and wasla traditions, Alia Farid’s monumental Jerrican works—oversized hollow vessels referencing water storage and transport—and Fadi Kattan’s chef‑led program that reinterprets dishes such as harees/jareesh around single ingredients and historic trade routes.

Dates: from 06/05/2026 to 22/11/2026. Vernissage: 06/05/2026 at 15:30.

The opening program includes pre‑opening events (6–8 May) and the inaugural weekend (9–10 May), featuring long‑form performances and culinary sessions. The curatorial approach emphasizes exchange, resilience and community building through collaborative activations.

Practical tips: allow extra time on opening days to attend live events, check schedules and reservation requirements in advance, and consider the participatory nature of the pavilion when planning visits with groups or visitors with specific needs.