Poetry Reading at the United States Pavilion
A Site-Responsive Poetry Reading as the Literary Companion to Alma Allen: Call Me the Breeze
Saturday, July 25, 2026
United States Pavilion
61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia
On July 25, 2026, the United States Pavilion will present a site-responsive poetry reading as the literary companion to Alma Allen: Call Me the Breeze. Developed as an integral component of the Pavilion’s educational programming, the event brings together seven distinguished poets whose work expands the exhibition’s exploration of landscape, memory, belonging, and humanity’s enduring relationship with the natural world.
Conceived and developed over the past year by exhibition curator Jeffrey Uslip, the program extends the exhibition beyond sculpture, inviting audiences to experience its themes through the expressive possibilities of language. The participating poets offer distinct literary perspectives that complement the exhibition’s exploration of place, identity, history, and imagination, creating a dialogue between visual art and poetry.
As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of its founding, the program reflects the richness and diversity of contemporary artistic practice while affirming the enduring role of literature and the visual arts in fostering curiosity, cultural understanding, and meaningful public engagement.
Participating Poets
The program features original work by:
Kai Carlson-Wee
Chris Hoshnic
dg nanouk okpik
Craig Santos Perez
m.s. RedCherries
Jake Skeets
Isabel Zapata
Each poet’s work will also appear in the forthcoming exhibition catalogue for Alma Allen: Call Me the Breeze, extending the literary dialogue beyond the event itself.
Event Information
Date
Saturday, July 25, 2026
Location
United States Pavilion
Giardini della Biennale
Venice, Italy
Program
Poetry Reading
Educational Programming
The poetry reading reflects the United States Pavilion’s commitment to interdisciplinary educational programming. By bringing together sculpture and poetry, the event offers visitors additional ways of engaging with the exhibition through language, interpretation, and shared reflection.
The program encourages audiences to consider how literature and visual art together can deepen our understanding of landscape, memory, belonging, and the human experience while demonstrating the continuing importance of artistic dialogue across disciplines.
About Alma Allen: Call Me the Breeze
Call Me the Breeze is the official exhibition of the United States Pavilion at the 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia. Featuring new sculptures by Alma Allen, the exhibition explores the relationships between material, landscape, memory, and the American imagination through works that invite contemplation, discovery, and sustained engagement.
The exhibition remains on view through November 22, 2026.
Learn More About the Exhibition →
Press & Media
The official press release for the poetry reading is available for download below.
