BELGIAN NATIONAL PAVILION – BIENNALE VENEZIA

Art | June 10, 2026 |

belgian_pavilion_006 — Image courtesy of Miet Warlop

The Belgian Pavilion at the 61st International Art Exhibition – IT NEVER SSST
La Biennale di Venezia 2026, Venice, Italy
May 09 – November 22, 2026

The Belgian Pavilion, located in the Giardini, is the oldest national pavilion at the Biennale and was the first to be built in 1907. Since 1972, the pavilion has been alternately organised by the French and Flemish Communities of Belgium, with the Flemish Community acting as the commissioner for the Biennale Arte 2026. By selecting Miet Warlop, the Flemish Community seeks to honour the artist’s 20-year-long career, while also showcasing Belgium’s strong tradition of interdisciplinarity. This presentation marks the first time that performance art will take centre stage in the Belgian pavilion.

belgian_pavilion_001 — Image courtesy of Miet Warlop

In Venice, Warlop will present IT NEVER SSST, a living and musical sculpture. Performers will activate the exhibition through physical and sculptural rituals. The title refers to the relentless rhythm and discipline of life. Warlop’s work explores the urgency of human connection in an increasingly hardening world, transforming the Belgian Pavilion into a space of joy, tension, and shared emotional experience.

belgian_pavilion_004 — Image courtesy of Miet Warlop

Following an open call issued by the Flemish Minister of Culture Caroline Gennez, the selection was made by an independent jury of arts experts convened by the Flemish Community. The jury consisted of Heidi Ballet, Bert De Leenheer, Zoë Gray, Laura Hanssens, Ivo Provoost, Stéphane Symons, Pieternel Vermoortel, and Bert Schreurs.

belgian_pavilion_003 — Image courtesy of Miet Warlop

The jury report reads: “Miet Warlop is one of the most interesting artists working today. Her exciting work has earned her a meaningful place in the landscape of contemporary art. Her proposal brings together several storylines (the competitive drive in our frenzied society, language, rituals, the bending of rules…) in an exciting dramaturgy. The rock ‘n’ roll spirit of this high-octane performance captures the chaotic state of the world in a real and visceral way.”

belgian_pavilion_007 — Image courtesy of Miet Warlop

Miet Warlop says “To achieve this together with a team of people and to be recognised by a brave jury is indescribable for my path as an artist. The emotions this has elicited go beyond gratitude. It is a great honour to receive the recognition of Belgium in this context.”

belgian_pavilion_002 — Image courtesy of Miet Warlop

Kasia Redzisz, Artistic Director of Kanal-Centre Pompidou says: “I am immensely proud that Kanal is supporting Miet Warlop and the Belgian Pavilion for the Biennale Arte 2026. Her proposal embodies the experimental spirit and bold thinking that is essential to today’s contemporary art. We cannot wait to see the impact of the work at the Biennale and look forward to hosting the project in Brussels in 2027.”

more. www.belgianpavilion.be

belgian_pavilion_005 — Image courtesy of Miet Warlop

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