The artist Mark Francis will interpret the international theme “In Minor Keys”, bringing the voice of the Republic to the heart of Venice
SAN MARINO – The Republic of San Marino is preparing for the preview days of the 61st International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia. This morning, Their Excellencies the Captains Regent, Alice Mina And Vladimiro Selvareceived in audience the Secretary of State for Culture, Teodoro Lonferniniand the official delegation that will represent the Titan in the prestigious lagoon event from 9 May to 22 November 2026.
At the center of the meeting was the presentation of the “Sea of Sound” project by the international artist Mark Francisedited by Luca Tommasi. The San Marino Pavilion, located in the strategic point of the “Tana Art Space” (between the Giardini and the Arsenale), will respond to the general theme of this year’s Biennale, “In Minor Keys”: an invitation to tune in to the deepest and most discreet frequencies of art, a dimension that fits perfectly with the identity of a small state with a thousand-year history.
The Hearing was introduced by the Secretary of State for Culture, Teodoro Lonferniniwho underlined: “Being present in Venice is confirmation of the international vocation of our cultural policies. We are a small Republic that has based its strength on the ability to be heard in the world not for the power of the cry, but for the solidity of values.”
The Pavilion Commissioner, Valentina Garavinihighlighted the connection between the State and the curatorial theme: “San Marino has always inhabited this ‘minor scale’. Ours is a voice that does not seek to dominate, but to persist; not to impose itself, but to testify to a discreet resilience. Art here becomes an invitation to listen, a symbolic place where the sound is, precisely, ‘In Minor Keys’.”
For FR Istituto d’Arte Contemporanea, organizer for the fourth consecutive time, Alessandro Bianchini declared: “It is a position of significant responsibility which allows us to represent the country with high profile projects, capable of meeting the highest international standards and enhancing the identity of our ancient Republic.”
The artist Mark Francis expressed deep gratitude for the trust given: “Representing a country – particularly when it is not one’s own – is extraordinary. As a Northern Irish painter representing San Marino, I am honoured. The warmth encountered on Titan has left a lasting impression and I am grateful to now be connected to this extraordinary Republic.”
At the conclusion of the Hearing, the Captains Regent addressed a message of strong diplomatic value: “In an increasingly fragmented world, art remains the universal language capable of building bridges where traditional diplomacy encounters obstacles. The San Marino Pavilion will certainly be able to offer visitors a space for profound reflection on the beauty and complexity of our time.”
The link between Venice and San Marino it will be tangible: a work of Mark Francis it is already visible at the National Gallery of San Marino until February 2027, while in December 2026, after the closing of the Biennale, the “Sea of Sound” exhibition will be completely re-staged at Palazzo SUMS.
