Guest Artists Space (G.A.S.) Foundation is pleased to announce its participation in the 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia curated by Koyo Kouoh.
Since its inception in 2019 by Yinka Shonibare CBE, G.A.S. has been dedicated to facilitating international cultural exchange and supporting creative practices through residencies, collaboration and educational initiatives. Its programmes operate across two sites in Nigeria; a purpose-built creative space in Lagos and another on a sustainable and regenerative-focused farm with an artist’s house and studio in Ikise, Ogun state. Together these spaces offer distinct yet interconnected contexts for research, critical thinking, experimentation, and sustained artistic development. Committed to expanding access and opportunity within the arts, G.A.S. supports the creation of new work while fostering dialogue across various cultures and disciplines. Rooted in the hyper-local ecosystems in which it operates, the Foundation functions as an agile, non-hierarchical platform for experimentation which invites artists and thinkers to test ideas, build meaningful local and international networks, and engage urgent social and cultural questions. Its programme encompasses research on food and ecological systems, alternative models of education and institution building, and creative and social infrastructure.
The Foundation’s inclusion in the Biennale Arte 2026, titled In Minor Keys, reflects its ongoing commitment to bringing together artists and thinkers, fostering cultural dialogue, care, and exchange across local and international contexts. Kouoh’s invitation to be part of the Main Exhibition recognises the residency not simply as a support structure, but as a practice in its own right, and a site of research, and sustained engagement that generates meaning through dialogue and shared inquiry.
The artwork presented at the La Biennale di Venezia is led by Ann Marie Peña, with support of founder Yinka Shonibare CBE, Belinda Holden CEO Yinka Shonibare Foundation (Y.S.F.) and Moni Aisida Executive Director of G.A.S. Foundation. This project is managed by Samantha Russell, with architectural installation design by MOE+ Art Architecture (Papa Omotayo, Oyinade Adegbite). Film production by Filmwrights (Randall Wright) and Julie Buckland, while sound design by Sound Disposition (Roland Heap, Simon Haupt) and Funmilola Ogushina.
It is realised with the generous support of The Osahon Okunbo Foundation (TOOF), Olufemi A. Akinsanya, Triangle Network , Yinka Shonibare CBE, Annette Anthony, Kayode Adegbola, Bimpe Nkontchou, Denise Bradley-Tyson, and Wally Bakare.
Among the many contributors represented are: Alberta Whittle, Ayomide Fasedu, Bisila Noha, Catherine Bardi, Damilola Akin-Olasupo, Emma Prempeh, E.N. Mirembe, Gideon Gomo, Jonn Gale, Ofem Ubi, Olayinka Eno Babalola, Olufela Omokeko, Portia Zvavahera, Raqs Media Collective, Raymond Pinto, Ṣọlá Olúlòde, Tobi Onabolu and Umar Rashid.
About La Biennale di Venezia
Established in 1895, La Biennale di Venezia is considered one of the most famous and prestigious cultural institutions in the world. At the forefront of research and the dissemination of new contemporary artistic trends, La Biennale di Venezia organises exhibitions, performances, research, and training activities in all its Sectors: Art (1895), Architecture (1980), Cinema (1932), Dance (1999), Theatre (1934), and Music (1930). Its International Art and Architecture Exhibitions introduce hundreds of thousands of visitors to new architecture every two years. The 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia – In Minor Keys by Koyo Kouoh – will run from Saturday 9 May to Sunday 22 November 2026 (preview 6, 7, 8 May) at the Giardini della Biennale and the Arsenale venues, and in various locations around Venice.