More than a year in the making, the 2009 Venice Biennale kicks off this week with high expectations. The ailing art world needs a shot in the arm right now and everyone is looking to the 53rd International Art Exhibition, which runs through November 22, to provide it. Some 6,000 members of the international press and 30,000 museum directors, curators, collectors, educators, and dealers descend on La Serenìsima, or "the serene city," to view proud national pavilions and special exhibitions—turning the three days of previews and openings into one continuous party.