ICCA Hosts Fourth Indigenous Delegation to Venice Biennale

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 5, 2026

ICCA Hosts Fourth Indigenous Delegation to Venice Biennale

Dates: November 9 to 14, 2026

VENICE, Italy — The Indigenous Curatorial Collective (ICCA) presents two days of public programming in Venice on November 12 and 13, 2026, bringing together Indigenous curators and artists from Canada, Aotearoa New Zealand, and the United States.

Presented in partnership with the Pātaka Foundation and the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA), Indigenous Curatorial Summit creates space for international exchange on Indigenous curatorial leadership, sovereignty, exhibition-making and the relationships that sustain work across borders.

The ICCA delegation includes Jim Logan, David Garneau, Jason Baerg, Jaimie Isaac, Suzanne Morrissette and Candice Hopkins, alongside Liz Barron, ICCA Director and delegation lead. Their practices span visual art, curation, writing, research, education and fashion, bringing distinct perspectives to the international exchange.

Candice Hopkins will deliver the opening keynote. The two-day public summit will feature four panels exploring the significance of international biennales, Indigenous curatorial exchange, collaborative exhibition development and curatorial sovereignty within and beyond institutions. The public program will be free to attend.

Alongside the summit, delegates will visit exhibitions at the Giardini, Arsenale and other Venice venues, connecting with artists, curators and cultural organizations. These encounters will support curatorial research and create opportunities for future exhibitions, reciprocal exchanges, publications and partnerships.

This marks ICCA’s fourth delegation to the Venice Biennale and builds on an ongoing relationship with partners in Aotearoa New Zealand, including a curatorial exchange hosted in Ottawa in June 2026. Through its delegation program, ICCA expands access to international professional networks and strengthens Indigenous leadership in contemporary art. Knowledge and opportunities arising from the visit will be shared with ICCA’s membership following the delegation.

ICCA gratefully acknowledges the support of the Canada Council for the Arts through its Creating, Knowing and Sharing program, which makes this delegation possible.

Thursday, November 12 — Keynote by Candice Hopkins
Ocean Space, Chiesa di San Lorenzo
Campo San Lorenzo, Castello 5069, Venice
3:00–4:00 p.m.
Curator Candice Hopkins will deliver the summit’s keynote presentation at Ocean Space. The approximately 45-minute presentation will be followed by a question-and-answer period.
Guests will be welcomed with drinks and cicchetti before the keynote.

Friday, November 13 — Public panels
Combo Venezia
Campo dei Gesuiti, 4878, Cannaregio, Venice
Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. | Programme: 9:00 a.m.–4:15 p.m.
The summit continues with four panels examining the significance of biennales, Indigenous-led international exchange, collaborative exhibition development and curatorial sovereignty.

Time
Programme
8:30–9:00 a.m.
Arrival and registration, Coffee and pastries

9:00–9:15 a.m.
Welcome and overview of the day

9:15–10:30 a.m.
Why Biennales Matter — Jason Baerg, David Garneau and Jim Logan, moderated by Liz Barron

10:30–10:45 a.m.
Break

10:45 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Indigenous Curatorial Exchange Across Borders — Isaac Te Awa, PiuPiu Maya Turei and Vanessa Edwards, moderated by Zoe Black

12:00–1:30 p.m.
Lunch

1:30–2:45 p.m.
Building Exhibitions Together — Jaimie Isaac and Suzanne Morrissette, moderated by Liz Barron

2:45–3:00 p.m.
Break

3:00–4:15 p.m.
Curatorial Sovereignty: Indigenous Curation Within and Beyond Institutions — Candice Hopkins, Jordan Poorman Cocker, Healoha Johnston and Raven Chacon, moderated by Mario A. Caro
Both days of summit programming are open to the public. All times are local to Venice.

Acknowledgements
ICCA thanks the Canada Council for the Arts for its support through Creating, Knowing and Sharing and Arts Abroad.
ICCA acknowledges its partners, the Pātaka Foundation, Creative New Zealand, Te Ātinga and the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA), and thanks Ocean Space and Combo Venezia for hosting the public programme.

About the Indigenous Curatorial Collective

The Indigenous Curatorial Collective supports and connects First Nations, Inuit and Métis curators, artists and cultural workers. Through gatherings, professional development, partnerships and advocacy, ICCA advances Indigenous curatorial practice and self-determination within the arts.

Media Contact
Liz Barron, Director
Indigenous Curatorial Collective
info@icca.art
icca.art

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