Institut français

Mission & Vision

The Institut français is the French public institution responsible for implementing France’s international cultural policy.

Its mission is to support artistic creation and cultural professionals, foster dialogue between cultures, promote the French language and multilingualism, and strengthen international cultural cooperation worldwide.

As part of this mandate, the Institut français has been serving as the general commissioner of the French Pavilion at the Venice Biennale of Art, accompanying the selected artist and overseeing the production and international presentation of the Pavilion on one of the world’s most influential contemporary art platforms.

For the 61st International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia (2026), the Institut français is implementing the French Pavilion project entrusted to artist Yto Barrada, with curation by Myriam Ben Salah. Presented from May to November 2026 in the Giardini della Biennale, the Pavilion will showcase a newly commissioned, site-specific project reflecting contemporary artistic research, cross-cultural dialogue, and the transmission of knowledge and savoir-faire.

Through this project, the Institut français seeks to affirm the role of contemporary art as a space for reflection, experimentation, and exchange, while ensuring broad public access, international visibility for artists working in France, and meaningful engagement with global audiences.

Actions Led

To deliver the French Pavilion at the Venice Art Biennale 2026, the Institut français leads and coordinates the full scope of the project, in close collaboration with the artist, curator, public authorities, and international partners.

Its actions include:

• the conception, production, and installation of the French Pavilion exhibition, including the commissioning of new artworks and site-specific installations;
• the coordination of artistic, technical, and production teams, ensuring high standards of artistic, logistical, and operational excellence;
• the organization of public and professional programming, such as previews, talks, encounters with the artist and curator, and educational initiatives for diverse audiences;
• the development of international outreach and communication, including press relations, professional networking events, and dissemination of educational and scientific content related to the project;
• the facilitation of intercultural dialogue and professional exchanges, connecting artists, curators, researchers, artisans, and cultural institutions across borders.

By combining artistic ambition with public accessibility and international cooperation, the Institut français ensures that the French Pavilion functions not only as an exhibition space, but also as a platform for exchange, knowledge-sharing, and long-term cultural impact.

Projects That U.S. Donors Can Support

U.S. donor contributions will support the conception, production, and international presentation of the French Pavilion at the Venice Art Biennale 2026, entrusted to artist Yto Barrada. The project will highlight contemporary French artistic creation on one of the world’s foremost cultural stages, offering educational opportunities for audiences, fostering intercultural dialogue, and providing broad access to artistic innovation. Activities include the creation and installation of artworks, organization of public programming, professional exchanges, and the publication of educational and scientific resources.