Mongolia has opened a pavilion at the Venetian Biennale showcasing the most modern art from the country. The Venetian Biennale is a major international art event which will run until November.

According to the Mongolia Contemporary Arts Support Association, a total of 16000 people have already visited the pavilion, which opened place 20 days ago – 5000 on the opening day alone! The Mongolian pavilion has already received a great deal of coverage; a variety of international broadcasting agencies noted that this was the first time Mongolia was participating in the Venetian Biennale (approx. 300 references) and about 30 articles have been written about the Mongolian pavilion. The international magazine “Art Radar” selected the Mongolian pavilion as one of the best from the all participants from Asia, Africa and the Middle East and ArtReview Asia highlighted Mongolia one of the top 10 Asian pavilions at the Venetian Biennale. “Culture 360”, a famous online magazine, highlighted Mongolian pavilion on the top of their coverage among all the 89 national pavilions. Even though this is the first time Mongolia has participated, the quality of the Mongolian artists is clear to all. The Mongolian pavilion can be found on the 2nd floor of the Palazzo Mora (European Culture Center) on Strada Nuovo, Venice, Italy. It is located just next to the Philippine’s pavilion. The pavilion will be displaying the artworks of Mongolian artists E.Unen and T.Enkhbold for 7 months. It is interesting to note that Philippine pavilion is showing a movie about “Chinggis Khaan” which was created 51 years ago and caused a stir at the Hollywood and Venetian film festivals at the time. The current Mongolian pavilion shows the alienation of human-being from nature and issues of modern-day mobility in the era of globalization. In addition, T.Enkhbold is presenting a contemporary performance using self-made Mongol Ger (yurt) in public areas of Venice for a month. Pavilion curator Ts.Uranchimeg has written that “Venice was first built by mainland residents fleeing invasions by nomads, including Attila and the Huns in the 5th century. Centuries later, the Venetian merchant Marco Polo (1254–1324) traveled to the Mongol Empire, where he spent 16 years at Khubilai Khaan’s (1215-1294) court. Building upon the historical legacy of Venice’s relationship with nomads and Mongols, the Mongolia artist is nomadizing in Venice city interacting with Venetians and its visitors. Another Mongolian artist J.Munkhtsetseg participated in the Personal Structures International exhibition with her solo show as a part of collateral event of Venice Biennale. Artist S.Ganzug also showed his performance at the pavilion of UNESCO hosted by the “Land Art of Mongolia” nongovernmental organization. Big light board of Mongolian Pavilion placed at Marco Polo International Airport will welcome visitor. Mongolian Contemporary Arts Support Association organized this project with the support from Ulaanbaatar City Mayor E.Bat-Uul. The sponsors are Mon-Uran, Altai Construction, Eco Construction, Onch Deloitte Audit, Tuushin, Max Group, Turkish Airlines, Petrovis, Khas bank, Steppe Link, Munkhiin Useg, Terrazo Lounge, Otgon Holding and Tuguldur Foundation, Ard Holding and other individuals. Organizational support is provided by the Ministry of Education Culture and Science, the MCS Group and the Mongolian Embassy in Rome. Media sponsors are Mongolian National Broadcasting Television, UBS TV, Unuudur newspaper, New Media Group and partners are the Mongolian Arts Council, Gereg, Government News, UB Post, Gogo.mn, ws.mn, Eagle.mn, Ekh-Oron TV and Toim magazine.