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As an official special event of the "Diary Project" of the United Republic of Tanzania Pavilion at the 61st International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia, MINGLING, a cross-cultural contemporary art project promoted and organized by Daniela Diodato Gallery, opened at the Giorgio and Amanda Marchesani Foundation in Venice. Presented within the academic framework of this year's Biennale, the project draws on one of the world's leading contemporary art platforms to foster cultural and social dialogue between China and Italy through art. Bringing together 16 Chinese and Italian artists, MINGLING is conceived as a touring exhibition spanning Europe and Asia.

The opening ceremony took place on October 2, 2026, at 6:30 PM, and the exhibition is open to the public from October 3 to 25, 2026. The exhibition is jointly curated by Ji Shaofeng and Martina Cavallarin, with the support of the Sino-Italian Design Exchange Center and the Cross - Cultural Communication and Development Association (CCCDA). Techne Art Service provides organizational assistance, while Matteo Scavetta serves as Project Manager. As a special project of the Tanzania Pavilion, MINGLING establishes a dedicated platform for artistic exchange between China and Italy within the Biennale's diverse international setting, presenting a cross-cultural artistic dialogue to audiences from around the world.

Joint curators Ji Shaofeng and Martina Cavallarin

Representatives of Daniela Diodato Gallery and Project Manager Matteo Scavetta

Curators and participating artists

Artists Yan Laichao and Milot

Curator Ji Shaofeng with artists Shay Frisch and Lai Junjie

The title MINGLING embodies the ideas of encounter, integration, and coexistence. Featuring works across various media, including painting, sculpture, and installation, the exhibition brings together 16 Chinese and Italian artists whose practices are rooted in their respective cultural contexts. Their diverse life experiences, cultural perspectives, and artistic languages intersect and engage in dialogue. As vehicles for cross-cultural exchange, the artworks preserve the individuality of each artist's practice while offering visitors multiple layers of interpretation.

Participating Chinese Artists: Wang Shaoqiang, Zhang Yanzi, Luo Qi, Dong Shubing, Chen Yongjin, Xu Wentao, Jiang Heng, Yan Laichao, and Lai Junjie.

Participating Italian Artists: Angelo Accardi, Alessandra Carloni, Shay Frisch, Jacopo Mandich, Alfred Mirashi Milot, Ciro Palumbo, and Michele Tombolini.

Opening of the exhibition at the Giorgio and Amanda Marchesani Foundation in Venice

Artistic expressions from East and West come together in dialogue, showcasing the diversity and vitality of contemporary art in China and Italy. 

Conceived as a touring exhibition, MINGLING will travel to the Guangzhou Museum of Art in China following its Venice presentation, with the next exhibition scheduled to open on February 27, 2027. Bringing this artistic dialogue initiated in Venice to Chinese audiences, the project seeks to further strengthen cultural engagement and artistic exchange between China and Italy.A professional exhibition catalogue will also be published, featuring essays by curators Ji Shaofeng and Martina Cavallarin, alongside a contribution from invited writer Ji Cong. The publication will provide an in-depth exploration of the project's curatorial vision and the artistic practices of the participating artists, creating a valuable scholarly record of this cross-cultural initiative.

Through the international platform of the Venice Biennale, MINGLING moves beyond geographical boundaries to encourage ongoing cultural dialogue between China and Italy. The project not only offers an important international showcase for contemporary artistic practices from both countries but also serves as a meaningful opportunity for intercultural understanding, artistic collaboration, and sustained exchange between Chinese and Italian art communities.

Exhibition Information

Exhibition Title: MINGLING – Promoting Cultural and Social Dialogue Between Italy and China

Promoted and Organized by: Daniela Diodato Gallery

Supported by: Sino-Italian Design Exchange Center, Cross - Cultural Communication and Development Association (CCCDA)

Curators: Ji Shaofeng, Martina Cavallarin

Invited Contributing Writer: Ji Cong

Organizational Support: Techne Art Service

Project Manager: Matteo Scavetta

Venice Exhibition Venue: Sestiere Dorsoduro 2525, Fondamenta Rossa, Venice, Italy

Opening Ceremony: October 2, 2026, at 6:30 PM

Venice Exhibition Dates: October 3–25, 2026

Biennale Affiliation: Special Event of the United Republic of Tanzania Pavilion at the 61st International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia

China Tour Venue: Guangzhou Museum of Art, Guangzhou, China

China Exhibition Opening Date: February 27, 2027

Participating Artists:

China: Wang Shaoqiang, Zhang Yanzi, Luo Qi, Dong Shubing, Chen Yongjin, Xu Wentao, Jiang Heng, Yan Laichao, Lai Junjie

Italy: Angelo Accardi, Alessandra Carloni, Shay Frisch, Jacopo Mandich, Alfred Mirashi Milot, Ciro Palumbo, Michele Tombolini

Accompanying Publication:Professional Exhibition Catalogue (with essays co-authored by curators Ji Shaofeng and Martina Cavallarin, and a contribution by invited writer Ji Cong)