The announcement comes on the heels of the opening week of the exhibition, where Burberry celebrated British creativity in collaboration with the British Council. This year, the British Council commissioned acclaimed artist and filmmaker John Akomfrah RA to represent Great Britain at the event.
Akomfrah, recently honored with a knighthood in the 2023 UK Honors list, is renowned for his art films and multi-screen video installations that delve into pressing social issues such as racial injustice, diasporic identities, migration, and climate change. His commission for the British Pavilion, titled 'Listening All Night To The Rain', is a captivating exploration of migrant diasporas in Britain. The commission features eight interlocking and overlapping multimedia and sound installations, creating a singularly immersive environment that tells compelling stories through visual and auditory experiences.
Speaking about his work, Akomfrah shared, "(I'm) trying to create a space where people can experience, understand, and engage with questions of acoustemology: a sonic way of knowing and being in the world. This is at the core of the Pavilion - be it the ethics, the aesthetics, the problematics, the memories or the histories of listening. When you're listening, you're tuned into your own dreams and ambitions, and to the stories that people tell, unearthing narratives."
Burberry's involvement in the exhibition extends beyond sponsorship, as the brand hosted two exclusive events during the opening week. The first event was a private conversation for the popular podcast Talk Art, featuring Akomfrah, curator Tarini Malik, associate curator for the British Pavilion Shane Akeroyd, and Talk Art founders Russell Tovey and Robert Diament. The conversation provided an intimate insight into Akomfrah's creative process and the themes explored in his work.
Additionally, Burberry hosted an elegant evening at the iconic Harry's Bar, bringing together luminaries from the worlds of art, fashion, and culture. Among the esteemed guests were Alvaro Barrington, Antonia Marsh, Alex Eagle, Bianca Arrivabene, Bianca Brandolini, Daniel Lee, Emily King, Honey Dijon, John Akomfrah, Julian Knxx, Katy Hessel, Lynette Yiadom Boakye, Matthew Slotover, Oyinkansola Dada, Rene Matić, Rhea Dillon, Robert Diament, Róisín Tapponi, Russell Tovey, Sadie Coles, Serena Rees, Skye McAlpine, Sophie Hicks, Sydney Lima, and Tim Marlow.
Burberry's Chief Creative Officer, Daniel Lee, was also in attendance, further emphasizing the brand's commitment to fostering creativity and collaboration across artistic disciplines.
As Burberry continues to champion the best of British creativity, its partnership with the British Pavilion at La Biennale di Venezia serves as a testament to the brand's enduring legacy and dedication to supporting the arts on a global stage.
Article source : https://www.burberryplc.com/news/brand/2024/burberry-returns-to-venice-as-headline-sponsor-of-the-british-pavilion-for-la-biennale-di-venezia
