The U.S. Pavilion at the 2026 Venice Biennale has entered uncertain territory after artist Robert Lazzarini and curator John Ravenal’s winning proposal was withdrawn. Their project was selected by the U.S. State Department in early September, but collapsed when negotiations with a partner institution broke down. The news was originally reported by The Washington Post.
Ravenal and Lazzarini—who previously worked together on a 2003 exhibition at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts—had submitted their proposal independently, an uncommon move for the American Pavilion, which typically relies on a museum to manage logistics and fundraising. After being selected, the pair reached a preliminary agreement with the University of South Florida’s Contemporary Art Museum, which presented Lazzarini’s work in 2019.
Talks between the university and the State Department reportedly unraveled in late September. The university cited the short timeline and multimillion-dollar financial obligations as reasons for withdrawing. Ravenal and Lazzarini’s estimated budget was $5 million, only $250,000 of which is covered by the government grant.
The proposal planned to transform the Pavilion’s neoclassical building with sculptures of American symbols, including flags, Civil War-era cannons, and statues of George Washington, all rendered through Lazzarini’s spatial distortions. A large, warped eagle finial was planned for the plinth outside the pavilion. Ravenal described the project as an opportunity to critically engage with American ideals as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.
This year’s selection process marked a departure from previous years. The National Endowment for the Arts, which traditionally convenes the jury, did not participate due to staffing and scheduling issues, leaving the State Department solely in charge.
With less than a year to go until the Venice Biennale, it remains unclear whether the U.S. will secure another artist or institution in time for the 2026 May opening. Many other countries have already announced their representing artists, including Lubaina Himid for the United Kingdom, Yto Barrada for France’s pavilion, and Maja Malou Lyse for Denmark’s pavilion, among many others.
The 61st edition of the Biennale has already been marked by controversy and abrupt change. In Australia, artist Khaled Sabsabi’s appointment was first withdrawn and later reinstated, sparking public debate over the decision. Meanwhile, Koyo Kouoh was named curator shortly before her death in May of this year. Organizers have emphasized that the presentation will remain faithful to her original vision. Titled “In Minor Keys,” the exhibition will be organized and curated by Kouoh’s collaborators.
