Biennale di Venezia
October 7—11, 2026
Laissez les bon temps rouler! Commissioner is heading to The Creole City for Prospect.6—an international and citywide art triennial.
The 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, titled "In Minor Keys," will run from May 9 to November 22, 2026, curated by the late Koyo Kouoh. Focused on sensory, affective, and intimate experiences, the exhibition highlights 111 artists and features two "shrines," rejecting, notes say, "orchestral bombast" to promote contemplation, listening, and rejuvenation.
Every three years, artists from all over the world are invited to create projects at a range of venues throughout New Orleans. An art triennial inspired by the Venice Biennale model, and the first of its kind in the U.S., Prospect projects are often rooted in social justice issues and the city itself.
This edition’s theme is The Future is Present, The Harbinger is Home. Co-Artistic Directors Miranda Lash and Ebony G. Patterson present New Orleans as a globally relevant point of departure for examining our collective future as it relates to climate change, legacies of colonialism, and definitions of belonging and home. Questions to consider: What does it mean to speak "from" a place, rather than "at" it? If a biennial or triennial is traditionally considered in relation to its "host" city, what does it mean to "hold" a city, a gesture that suggests care and reverence?
Join us for Prospect.6’s opening weekend and VIP programming. Together we’ll dive into the triennial and connect with local artists, collectors, and the initiatives powering NOLA year-round. We’ll also plan for downtime to experience the city at your own pace.
The group is limited to 15 people, and we are fully booked.
In addition to covering Prospect.6 VIP passes, admissions, and logistics-related fees, your contribution goes toward compensating all participating artists and on-the-ground organizers generously welcoming our group and planning our visit. By participating, you also support our broader mission of bringing people together through the arts. A more detailed itinerary will be shared in the fall, but please don’t wait until then to make your travel arrangements.
Airfare and accommodations are not included in your non-refundable contribution. Our host hotel is xx, and we have been finding more flexible and competitive room rates than with a block at this time—do groups, airbnbs. Stay in Dosoduro and/or here.
There are two contribution levels:
Prospect.6 Access
- Pay one time $1,200
- Commissioner dinner on November 2
- Organized transport to main locations leaving from The Barnett Hotel (expect a mix of walking, car service, and rideshare)
- Guided tours and programming
Total: $950pp
Prospect.6 Access + Gala
- Pay in three installments of $500
Total: $2,100pp
Airfare
Please book your own flight and plan to arrive by Tuesday, October 6 at 5 PM. It’s Halloween in New Orleans and you won’t want to miss it!
Programming will run from October 7 through 10 (days of programming). October 11 is a travel day. Visitors are welcome to arrive earlier or stay longer to soak up everything New Orleans has to offer beyond the Commissioner experience.
Accommodations
STAY AT THE BARNETT
In the spirit of comfort and connection, we’ve taken the liberty of reserving a block at The Barnett for our group. Housed in a beautifully restored art deco building, and known formerly as the Ace Hotel, enjoy the contemporary rooms and suites, a rooftop pool, and five exceptional dining outlets. The Barnett is a stone's throw from the French Quarter, and located near art galleries, museums, and one of our favorite affogato spots.
Select amenities:
Free Internet
Room Service
Fitness Center
Pool
Pet Friendly
Digital Check-In
Business Services
Laundry
The Barnett
600 Carondelet St
New Orleans, LA 70130
504 900 1180
MSYJD-RFP@hyatt.com
Commissioner’s discounted rooms are guaranteed and on hold until September 29, 2024. You may still book at the hotel after that, provided rooms are available. However, please note that art week in New Orleans is an increasingly popular attraction, and spaces for this trip are limited. The Barnett will be our primary gathering location in the morning and our meeting point for transportation.
BOOK AN ALTERNATIVE
Making alternative arrangements for accommodations? We suggest that you stay near The Barnett to take full advantage of the transport leaving from the hotel.
If you’re interested in sharing lodging with another member, please email hello@commissioner.us and we’ll link you to other participants.
What to Expect
Our core group may, at some points, expand with a mix of NOLA locals and travelers from Miami, Los Angeles, Chicago, Montreal, and New York. We’re all visitors in this space and on this trip.
On October 31, we’ll gather in the evening for a welcome cocktail before transforming for a night of Halloween.
Expect daytime programming on November 1—2 with opportunities to explore or rest at your leisure. While we will do our part to curate a program full of options and activities, we invite you to pace yourself and visit sites that may not be on the program. It’s easy enough to get around New Orleans, and everyone will have the schedule and our WhatsApp channel to help us stay connected.
Guests purchasing the gala-level ticket will enjoy dinner at The Sugar Mill venue on November 1. Otherwise, explore NOLA’s exceptional culinary scene on your own or with fellow travelers, including the restaurants at The Barnett hotel. The Commissioner dinner included in your contribution will take place on November 2.
Your Travel Information
Once you’ve secured your spot with the contribution, please follow these steps:
1) Download, sign, and save the waiver (one per person) linked below
2) Complete the travel form and upload your waiver in the very last section