Venice's International Art Biennale --70 Countries showcase the best in Contemporary Art -- on view through November 2009

While Venice's is typically associated with the Art of the Renaissance, it is a contemporary art exhibition that every other year draws artists from over 70 countries from all over the world.  When the first Venice Biennale Art Festival was held in 1895 the decorative arts were the centerpiece of the event. Through the years, the festival became more and more international and from 1907 on, several countries began installing national pavilions.   After World War I, the Biennale gradually changed its focus to modern art. Many well-known modern artists had their work exhibited there between the wars.

In the 1930s, under Facist leadership, several new sections of the event were established: the Music Festival in 1930, the now more famous  International Film Festival in 1932, and the Theatre Festival in 1934.  

After a six-year hiatus during  the Biennale was resumed in 1948 with renewed attention to avant-garde movements , contemporary art was introduced in the 1950s, pop art in the 1960s.   Currently contempory art is the focus of the Biennale.  

For some excellent illustrations of the art being exhibited see the Boston Globe's piece on the event. 

The exhibition, which opened on June 7, continues through November, 2009.  Ticket and venue information can be found on the Biennale's website.