The Pavilion of Iraq at the 55th International Art Exhibition – la Biennale di Venezia in 2013 will host a group exhibition curated by Jonathan Watkins comprising works by eleven contemporary Iraqi artists resident in Iraq. Working across a wide range of media, including photography, drawing, painting, video, installation, sculpture, and textiles, they represent two generations of artists from across the country and were selected after many studio visits, other meetings and much careful thinking.

The exhibition will be held at Ca' Dandolo, a 16th century building that has not been used as a pavilion before during a Venice Biennale. It will insinuate Iraq into this first floor apartment, creating a salon atmosphere and interactive space where visitors can sit, read and learn about Iraqi culture and drink tea.