From immersive site-specific installations to groundbreaking new gallery spaces, the international arts scene is alive with innovation. This week’s global art exhibitions include Qatar’s debut pavilion at the Venice Biennale, Art Basel’s return with new sectors, and Rajiv Menon Contemporary’s opening in Los Angeles.
Qatar to Establish Permanent Pavilion at the Venice Biennale
Venice, Italy
Qatar is set to join an exclusive group of nations with a permanent pavilion in the Giardini della Biennale, one of the world’s most prestigious cultural venues. Debuting at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia, the Qatar Pavilion will launch with an installation by Pakistani architect Yasmeen Lari titled Community Centre. This project is part of a broader exhibition, Beyti Beytak. My home is your home. La mia casa è la tua casa., which explores themes of hospitality and architectural traditions in the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia (MENASA) region. The exhibition will be on view at both the Giardini and ACP-Palazzo Franchetti.
More details: labiennale.org
Art Basel 2025: New Sectors and Expansive Exhibitor Lineup
Basel, Switzerland
Returning to Messe Basel from June 19–22, Art Basel 2025 will feature 291 leading galleries from 42 countries. This year introduces the Premiere sector, which will showcase contemporary works created in the past five years by up to three artists per gallery. Other highlights include:
- A large-scale installation by Katharina Grosse, who will transform Messeplatz into an immersive chromatic environment.
- The return of Parcours, curated by Stefanie Hessler, featuring public art installations along Clarastrasse and the Rhine.
- The participation of 18 new galleries, expanding the fair’s global reach.
The fair continues to position Basel as a global cultural hub, with city-wide events engaging top institutions.
More details: artbasel.com
Rajiv Menon Contemporary Debuts in Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California
Rajiv Menon Contemporary, a new gallery dedicated to South Asian and diasporic contemporary art, will open its doors in Hollywood on February 17, 2025. Its inaugural exhibition, EXHIBITIONISM, brings together 19 leading artists, including Chitra Ganesh, Sunil Gupta, and Jagannath Panda.
The show examines the complex relationship between privacy and visibility, with works spanning intimacy, domestic life, and the art world. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to wildfire relief efforts through SevaSphere and the California Community Foundation. The exhibition will be on view through March 30, 2025.
More details: rajivmenoncontemporary.com
Emory University Students Land Prestigious Internship with Jermaine Dupri
Atlanta, Georgia
Four Emory University students have been selected for an exclusive six-week internship at So So Def, the legendary record label founded by Jermaine Dupri. Originally planning to select two students, Dupri expanded the opportunity after recognizing exceptional talent among applicants. The selected interns, Ella Furgeson, Luccas Perez, David Qiu, and Emmett Roth, will gain hands-on experience in music production and business operations.
The program builds on So So Def’s decades-long legacy of artist development, having shaped careers of stars like Usher, Bow Wow, and Xscape. In addition to working closely with Dupri, the students will earn academic credit and take part in a customized internship course.
More details: emory.edu
Pérez Art Museum Miami Announces 2025 Exhibition Lineup
Miami, Florida
Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) has unveiled its 2025 exhibition schedule, including diverse and thought-provoking shows:
- Narratives in Focus (Through October 5, 2025) – A photography exhibition featuring artists from the Caribbean, Latin America, Africa, and the U.S., exploring themes of memory, identity, and social change.
- Gyula Kosice: Intergalactic (March 20–September 7, 2025) – A retrospective on the Argentine avant-garde artist, known for kinetic sculptures incorporating water and light.
- Elliot and Erick Jiménez: El Monte (August 28, 2025–February 8, 2026) – A debut solo exhibition from the Cuban-American twins, whose work blends Western art history and Lucumí spiritual traditions.
More details: pamm.org
Experience the Power of the Arts
This week’s highlights showcase the power of the arts to foster cultural exchange, redefine boundaries, and provide new platforms for emerging voices. From Miami to Venice to Los Angeles, these exhibitions and initiatives bring global perspectives to local audiences. Stay tuned for more updates on major cultural events shaping the international arts scene.
