The First Ukrainian Biennale of Modern Art to Open in Kyiv

The First Ukrainian Biennale of Modern Art Arsenale will kick-start on May 17, 2012, at the Kyiv’s art center Mystetskyi Arsenal. 80 artists from 40 countries will showcase their works at the exhibition.

The keynote idea of Arsenale will be the Planetary Alignment. The organizers plan to incorporate the end of the world legends in the space theme of the biennale. The stories about the word ending in 2012 will receive a tribute at Arsenale. The whole art project will represent the Noah’s ark where people are able to survive amidst the works of art.

The exhibition will occupy 20,000 square meters (216 thousand square feet) of the exhibit space at Mystetskyi Arsenal. Additional exhibitions and events will be held at the Modern Art Research Institute, National Art Museum of Ukraine, Kyiv National Museum of Russian Art, Chocolate House, gallery Lavra, and other galleries and art venues in the city.

The celebrated British-born art gallery and museum curator, writer, the Commonwealth of Independent States art expert David Elliott is set to curate Arsenale.

The Ministry of Culture of Ukraine and the Kyiv City State Administration organize the biennale along with the art center Mystetskyi Arsenal. The budget of the event is estimated at USD 4,75 mln with half of the amount provided by the state.

Official Web site of Mystetskyi Arsenal

When: May 17 – July 31, 2012

Where: National Cultural-Art and Museum Complex Mystetskyi Arsenal, 10-12 Lavrska St., Kyiv