On the World StageCanada’s Art at the Venice Biennale

On the World Stage: Canada’s Art at the Venice Biennale traces the nation’s seventy-plus-year history at the most revered international showcase of contemporary art. This richly illustrated book spotlights the artists who have represented Canada, offering insights into the works shown and observations on how participation in this significant art world event impacted their careers. It features insightful commentary by curator and art historian Jessica Bradley, who draws upon the voices of fellow curators who have played significant roles in steering the presentation of Canadian art to international audiences. These perspectives reveal a shift from cultural diplomacy to artistic assertion, collective exhibitions to solo presentations, and national branding to engaged critical dialogue, demonstrating how art, ideas, and politics converge.

With more than half a million visitors each season, the Biennale offers artists unparalleled access to the curators, collectors, critics, and cultural leaders who shape the contemporary art world. Canada’s participation has raised the international profile of many influential figures, including David Altmejd, Rebecca Belmore, Shary Boyle, Geneviève Cadieux, Janet Cardiff & George Bures Miller, Alex Colville, Stan Douglas, Kapwani Kiwanga, Guido Molinari, Jean Paul Riopelle, Michael Snow, and the artist collectives General Idea and Isuma. Together, their achievements tell a story of Canadian art on the world stage—bold, diverse, and in constant dialogue with the most important conversations of our time.