Barbara Chase-Riboud Addresses Decline of US Biennale Pavilion

The 61st Venice Biennale has become a platform for controversy as American sculptor Barbara Chase-Riboud declined an opportunity to represent the United States, citing it was “not the moment.” Originally fielded by the American Arts Conservancy (AAC) for the 2026 Biennale, Chase-Riboud, alongside photographer William Eggleston, both turned down the exhibition commission. Consequently, Mexico-based American abstract sculptor Alma Allen was selected.

Chase-Riboud chose not to address assertions that her decision was to avoid associations with the Trump administration. The US State Department Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, now overseeing the US pavilion artist selection, updated grant guidelines under President Trump’s directive to dismantle federal Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, demanding proposals emphasize American values and demonstrate exceptionalism.

The timeframe for preparation was also reduced to eight months. A previous proposal by Robert Lazzarini and John Ravenal was retracted after complications with their institutional partner. Ultimately, Allen and curator Jeffrey Uslip were selected for the US representation through the AAC commission.

Little is known about the AAC, formed in 2025 by Jenni Parido and working with Art in Embassies Director Erin (Elmore) Scavino. The exact implications of these decisions and their impact on the arts community remain a heated topic of discussion.