Bloomberg Philanthropies supports the 57th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia and its programs for broader audience engagement. Bloomberg Philanthropies’ support will enable the Biennale Arte 2017 to widen the reach of the Biennale’s public performance and artist discussion program.

"We're pleased to support the 57th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia and to inspire future artists by expanding access to their innovative work," said Patricia E. Harris, CEO of Bloomberg Philanthropies.

Bloomberg Philanthropies is working directly with La Biennale di Venezia to support increased access to the Exhibition’s new series of large scale participatory performances from emerging and established international artists which will take place across the city for the opening days of Biennale Arte 2017. Through Bloomberg’s contribution to the Biennale’s live streaming, recording and online archiving of these performances, the program is set to be seen by thousands of viewers from around the world.

Bloomberg’s support will provide international, online access to a series of free lunch-time talks that will take place twice a week for the entire Biennale Arte 2017, to encourage broader public engagement and conversation with the artists. The talks will be recorded and streamed online by La Biennale di Venezia, projected throughout the Biennale Exhibition venues, and will then feature on a digital archive for access by international audiences.

Bloomberg Philanthropies has a long standing history of support for international Biennales, including involvement in the Liverpool, Sao Paulo, Singapore, Sydney and Venice Biennales. Bloomberg Philanthropies’ arts program utilizes innovative partnerships and bold approaches to place arts at the center of economic growth and empower artists and cultural organizations.

In addition to supporting La Biennale di Venezia directly, Bloomberg Philanthropies will also partner with the University of the Arts London, International Curators Forum and the Arts Council England to create a new program to address the underrepresentation of culturally diverse artists and curators in contemporary art today. Called Beyond the Frame, the initiative will be launched by Arts Council Chairman Sir Nick Serota in Venice against the background of a new exhibition called the Diaspora Platform at the Palazzo Pisani a Santa Maria, which showcases artists from racially and culturally diverse backgrounds. The selected 22 emerging artists and curators from traditionally underrepresented audiences will embark on a 22 month program and will take part in forums and master classes alongside their mentors. By partnering these emerging professionals with leading artists and curators such as architect David Adjaye, filmmaker Isaac Julien, Whitechapel Director Iwona Blazwick and Liverpool Biennial Director, Sally Tallant, the program will create cross-generational connections and professional development for the next generation of Black and Asian artists and curators not only in the UK, but with other organizations around the world.

Bloomberg Philanthropies works in more than 120 countries around the world to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. Bloomberg Philanthropies focuses on five key areas for creating lasting change: Arts, Education, Environment, Government Innovation and Public Health. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg’s charitable activities, including his foundation and his personal giving. In 2015, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed over half a billion dollars. For more information, please visit bloomberg.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter @BloombergDotOrg.