Fashion designer Dries Van Noten and his partner Patrick Vangheluwe have announced the launch of Fondazione Dries Van Noten, a new cultural institution in Venice. Housed in the historic 15th-century Palazzo Pisani Moretta on the Grand Canal, the foundation will host residencies, collaborative projects, and exhibitions focused on the intersection of craftsmanship and contemporary art. The inaugural exhibition, "THE ONLY TRUE PROTEST IS BEAUTY," curated by Van Noten and Geert Bruloot, is set to open on April 25 and will feature over 200 objects spanning fashion, sculpture, and collectible design.
This initiative reflects a growing trend of major fashion figures establishing permanent cultural footprints in Venice, joining the likes of Miuccia Prada and François Pinault. By emphasizing the "human making" and dissolving boundaries between artisans and fine artists, the foundation seeks to position Venice as a living laboratory for creativity rather than a static tourist destination. The inclusion of diverse artists such as Steven Shearer, Joyce J. Scott, and Peter Buggenhout alongside couture pieces signals a multidisciplinary approach that challenges traditional hierarchies within the visual arts and design sectors.