Venice Biennale 2024: Maccaferri as sponsor of the Pavilion of Albania

Officine Maccaferri, a global leader in the field of civil and environmental engineering, today announced its support, as sponsor, to the Love as a Glass of Water exhibition by artist Iva Lulashi, which is representing the Pavilion of Albania at the 60^th International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia, taking place from 20 April to 24 November, 2024.

By supporting the Albanian Pavilion, Officine Maccaferri seeks to establish its commitment to enhancing both arts and culture of the countries in which it works, aiming to promote their greater awareness on a global level. The Group has been operating in Albania since the early 2000s, at first through a sales network and then with a production plant, since 2009. Over the years, it has been involved in the implementation of major infrastructure projects. In 2022, Maccaferri opened a new production plant located in Shijak, aiming to make it the main production hub for Europe and the Middle East, as well as a centre of excellence for the development of cutting-edge technologies.

The Venice Biennale is among the most prestigious and globally recognised contemporary art events. Titled Stranieri Ovunque – Foreigners Everywhere, and curated by Adriano Pedrosa, this year’s International Exhibition is framed by 88 National Participations in the historic Pavilions at the Giardini, the Arsenale and in Venice’s city centre.

The Albanian Pavilion, which opens the event’s section dedicated to national participations, is hosting the Love as a Glass of Water exhibition, with paintings by Albanian artist Iva Lulashi. The artist investigates themes such as love, desire and erotism through her works, taking inspiration from the “theory of the glass of water”, which dates back to the pre-revolutionary period and is linked to the radical thinker and feminist Alexandra Kollontai. Commissioned by Blendi Gonxhja, Albania’s Minister of Economy, Culture and Innovation, the exhibition is curated by Antonio Grulli.

“Our presence for the first time at this exhibition to support both art and culture in all its forms and manifestations is a source of pride for us,” said Sergio Iasi, Chairman of Officine Maccaferri.  “We are delighted to support the Pavilion of Albania and artist Iva Lulashi on such an outstanding international platform such as the Venice Biennale, bearing witness to the strategic role Albania plays for the Group. As Maccaferri, we are committed to working with the countries in which we are operating also through this kind of initiatives, which are designed to spread the awareness of their artistic heritage.”