The National Pavilion of Qatar has announced its presentation for the 61st Venice Biennale, titled "untitled 2026 (a gathering of remarkable people)." Commissioned by Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and co-curated by Tom Eccles and Ruba Katrib, the exhibition features a tent-like structure designed by Rirkrit Tiravanija. The space will host a collaborative program including a film by Sophia Al-Maria, performances by Tarek Atoui, a large-scale sculpture by Alia Farid, and a culinary program by chef Fadi Kattan.
This project marks a significant moment for Qatar’s cultural diplomacy, emphasizing the power of participatory art and cross-disciplinary collaboration within the Arab world. By situating the temporary pavilion on the future site of a permanent structure designed by Lina Ghotmeh, Qatar signals its long-term commitment to the Venice Biennale. The exhibition's focus on communal gathering and shared humanity reflects a strategic effort to highlight Middle Eastern creative talent on one of the world's most influential contemporary art stages.