Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia will send 14 fine artists to the 2026 Venice Biennale, marking its return after a six-year absence, Culture Minister Fadli Zon said on Tuesday.

“I announce Indonesia will return to the Venice Biennale with its national pavilion,” Zon told reporters in Jakarta.

The 61st edition will feature artists from 99 countries, with exhibitions open from May 9 to Nov. 22, 2026. Indonesia’s pavilion will carry the theme “Printing the Unprinted.”

Zon said seven of the 14 artists are newcomers, including a disabled artist from Papua and participants from Aceh and North Sumatra.

He added the remaining seven are established artists, including contemporary painter and sculptor Agus Suwage.

The artists will join a two-month residency program in Europe while developing their works, he said.

Younger participants will also receive mentorship from senior artists under an Art Healing program in Florence, Italy.

Zon said Indonesia’s participation aims to showcase its fine arts globally and broaden international appreciation.

He expressed hope the experience would inspire Indonesia to host a similar event in the future.

“We also hope to expand networks and promote Indonesia’s artistic identity on the global stage,” Zon said.

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