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The Miami Art Journal

The House

Funding Shortfall Threatens US Pavilion Returns

The Editors ·

Funding Shortfall Threatens US Pavilion Returns

The American Arts Conservancy (AAC) has signaled an urgent need for $1m to facilitate the deinstallation and transport of Alma Allen’s sculptures from the Venice Biennale back to the United States. Jenni Parido, director of the AAC, reported that the non-profit has secured $1.4m of the $2.5m total required for the pavilion's final logistics. While the State Department provided a $375,000 grant, the remaining costs must be met through private fundraising.

The sculptures in question are the large-scale works by the Mexico-based artist Alma Allen currently featured in the US pavilion. Given the significant weight of the pieces, some of which approach one ton, finding suitable storage space in Venice presents a logistical challenge should the shipping funds fail to materialize. Allen indicated that his own expenses were limited to travel and accommodation.

This year’s exhibition was noted for its relatively lean budget compared to previous iterations, which cost $7m in 2022 and $5m in 2024. The current fundraising efforts have involved private events with donors including John Phelan and Tommy Hilfiger.

The financial situation has drawn scrutiny from art historians regarding the oversight of the pavilion's budget. As the Biennale nears its conclusion, the ability to return these monumental works to the US remains contingent on meeting the $1m shortfall.

Source: The Art Newspaper