Qualco Foundation proudly supports Greece’s participation in the 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, one of the world’s most prestigious and historic institutions for contemporary art, contributing to the presence of contemporary Greek artistic creation within a leading international cultural dialogue.

The project “Escape Room” by visual artist and architect Andreas Angelidakis, curated by Giorgos Bekirakis and with MOMus – Metropolitan Organisation of Museums of Visual Arts of Thessaloniki as National Commissioner, is presented at the Greek Pavilion in the Giardini della Biennale from 9 May to 22 November 2026.

Qualco Foundation’s support of Greece’s participation in La Biennale di Venezia reflects its longstanding commitment to strengthening initiatives that promote culture and contemporary artistic expression, contributing to the international recognition of Greek cultural production. It also builds upon the Foundation’s support for the Greek Pavilion in the previous edition of the Biennale in 2024.

“Escape Room” is conceived as a multilayered artistic installation exploring themes of history, collective memory, identity, and contemporary political realities. Through Andreas Angelidakis’ work, the Greek Pavilion is transformed into a contemporary Platonic Cave — an immersive and inhabitable environment that reinterprets Plato’s iconic allegory through the lens of the post-truth era and the rise of nationalist populism. As the artist explains, “the national pavilion is divided in two”, operating as a mechanism of perception and symbolism inspired by Platonic references from the Symposium. Through the interplay of diverse narrative and visual elements, the Greek participation creates a space for experience and reflection on the complex social and political conditions shaping the contemporary world.

The curator of the project, George Bekirakis, noted: “Andreas Angelidakis reverses spatial hierarchies, creating the paradox of an inhabitable ruin within the digital panopticon. Ultimately, he discreetly offers the audience clues, which they may either collect or simply choose to pass by.”

The Greek participation has already attracted significant international attention, with features and references in leading international architecture, art, and cultural publications, including the Observer, Designboom, ArtReview, The Art Newspaper, e-flux Criticism, Wallpaper, Financial Times, The Guardian, and The World of Interiors. These acknowledgements highlight the dynamic presence of contemporary Greek creation within the global cultural conversation.

The President of Qualco Group and Qualco Foundation, Mr. Orestis Tsakalotos, stated: “At Qualco Foundation, we strongly believe that art is an essential way of understanding the world and strengthening public dialogue. Greece’s participation in the 61st Venice Biennale fills us with pride, as it highlights the dynamism, international reach, and contemporary perspective of Greek artistic creation.”

The President of MOMus, Epaminondas Christofilopoulos, added: “With the unwavering support of the Ministry of Culture, we delivered an extensive and demanding project within an exceptionally short timeframe. Today, we stand before the final result with the conviction that visitors to the Greek Pavilion will experience something truly meaningful.”

Through its support of leading cultural institutions and initiatives, Qualco Foundation remains committed to enhancing the international presence of contemporary Greek creativity and supporting the participation of Greek artists and cultural organisations in prestigious global cultural events.