The President of the Venice Biennale, Pietrangelo Buttafuoco, arrived in Ulaanbaatar on March 18 at the invitation of the Minister of Culture, Sports, Tourism, and Youth of Mongolia, Ms. Nomin Chinbat, accompanied by a delegation from the Biennale composed of the Director General, Dr. Andrea Del Mercato, the Deputy Director General and Head of the Historical Archive, Ms. Debora Rossi, the curator, Dr. Luigia Lonardelli, and Professor Mariagrazia Pontorno.
During the meeting with Minister Chinbat, both parties expressed their mutual satisfaction with Mongolia’s participation in the Venice Biennale and, more broadly, with the excellent cultural cooperation between Italy and Mongolia, which is expected to be further strengthened following President Buttafuoco’s visit.
Minister Chinbat reaffirmed the Mongolian government’s commitment to promoting the country’s artistic creativity and talent, enhancing local traditions in a global context. In turn, President Buttafuoco highlighted the international and forward-looking vision of the Venice Biennale, mentioning the Special Project of the Biennale’s Historical Archive, which involves contemporary artists and is inspired by the journeys of Marco Polo.
The meeting with the Khamba Lama of the Gandan Monastery laid the groundwork for a deeper exploration of the connection between spirituality and art. The Khamba Lama recalled his recent trip to Italy (last January) and expressed his sincere appreciation for the ongoing mission and the further opportunities arising from President Buttafuoco’s visit.
The visit continued with a lectio magistralis by the President of the Venice Biennale at the National Gallery of Modern Art in Ulaanbaatar, organized by the Academy of Fine Arts in collaboration with this Embassy. The event saw a large participation of artists, students, and institutions. Additionally, a presentation of the Venice Biennale was held at the Mongolian Parliament (Great Khural), promoted by the Chair of the Italy-Mongolia Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group, Hon. Undraa Agvaanluvsan.
Furthermore, Buttafuoco had the opportunity to meet the Vice President of the Mongolian Parliament, Hon. Bulgantuya.
This visit is part of the growing bilateral cultural relations between Italy and Mongolia and represents another step forward in strengthening artistic cooperation between the two countries.
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