Sculptor and author Barbara Chase-Riboud has publicly declined an invitation to represent the United States at the 2026 Venice Biennale, stating it was "not the moment" for her to do so. She was among the artists initially considered by the newly formed American Arts Conservancy (AAC), which is organizing the US pavilion after both she and photographer William Eggleston turned down the opportunity.
The situation highlights the ongoing controversy and political turbulence surrounding the US pavilion selection process. The Trump administration transferred oversight from the National Endowment for the Arts to the State Department, which issued new grant guidelines requiring proposals to "promote American values" and showcase "American exceptionalism," while also drastically shortening the preparation timeline. The opaque nature of the AAC, a nonprofit founded by a former pet supply shop owner in tandem with a State Department official, has further fueled concerns about the politicization of the prestigious cultural presentation.