Biennale 2009

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Art with coffee, coffee with art

After sponsoring the 1997, 2003, 2005 and 2007 editions of the International Art Exhibition at the Venice Biennale, this year illycaffè is once again collaborating at the 53rd exhibition, entitled Fare Mondi – Making Worlds, curated by Daniel Birnbaum.

At the inauguration, the company will be presenting the latest illy Art Collection, designed by Tobias Rehberger. Chosen by event director Daniel Birnbaum, Rehberger is the artist responsible for the artistic design of the new bar and restaurant inside the exhibition building in the Biennale Gardens. 

The theme of Rehberger’s concept is the element of camouflage: inside the bar, the espresso cup seems to disappear, a hidden element of an unusual, captivating game, yet part of a unique, complete design.

Once again this year, illycaffè is supporting the Italo-Latin American Institute (IILA), the international association commissioned by the Biennale back in 1972 to set up a pavilion for the benefit of Latin American artists, who would otherwise not have been able to take part in this important event.

The collaboration with IILA is part of illy’s involvement with the Observatory on art from emerging countries, and is connected to the website www.illysustainart.org.

illy will also be in attendance at a series of exhibitions and performances by top international artists who will turn Venice into the focal point of the modern art world during the first few days of June. 

One example is the partnership with the Bevilacqua La Masa Foundation. From 29 May to 20 September, the foundation will be running the exhibition Anton’s memory at Palazzetto Tito. The exhibition is dedicated to Yoko Ono, winner of the 2009 Golden Lion award for Lifetime Achievement, and a performance will also be held at Teatro La Fenice on 11 September. 

The unmistakeable flavour of the illy blend can also be savoured with the ready to drink beverage illy issimo. The drink will be served at certain times of day at the entrance to the Biennale Gardens, the Charta Point, the Tognon Art Gallery at St. Mark’s, and Campo San Maurizio. It will also be served at the best bars in Venice, and the inauguration of the new art centre at Punta della Dogana and Palazzo Grassi, planned for 3 June.