On the occasion of the 2026 Biennale, a curated cultural programme will be presented, conceived as a platform for reflection, dialogue, and critical engagement. Through a series of talks and discussions, scholars, artists, and professionals will offer interdisciplinary perspectives on art, exploring its connections with history, law, science, and contemporary perception.
Dates and times of the events will be announced closer to the official opening of the exhibition.
The Gaze of a Pulitzer Prize Winner
As part of the Biennale, Lonnie Schein will produce an artistic photographic documentation of the exhibition spaces, interpreting the works and their installation through a sensitive and contemporary lens. This exhibition presents a selection of works that reflect his photographic journey, developed over decades within an international context.
For over 35 years, Lonnie Schein worked as a photo editor at The New York Times while simultaneously pursuing his own career as a photographer. In 2001, he was entrusted with overseeing all photographic coverage of the September 11 attacks for the newspaper’s special section A Nation Challenged, which was awarded the Pulitzer Prize. He also edited the accompanying photo book, which remained on bestseller lists for several months.
During his tenure, he served as Foreign Picture Editor, directing coverage of major international events, including the fall of Mikhail Gorbachev. As National Picture Editor, he oversaw photographic coverage throughout the administrations of Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, closely following presidential elections, inaugurations, and the impeachment process. His work also extended across the Metro, Arts, and Travel sections, reflecting a career of considerable breadth and authority.
Tradition and Vision: Art at the University of Oxford Through the Centuries
Francesco Gagliardi — University Lecturer
A historical and cultural exploration of the role of art within one of Europe’s most distinguished academic institutions.
Creation and Protection: Copyright in Contemporary Art
Peter Gagliardi — Law Graduate
An examination of the key legal issues surrounding the protection of artworks and the rights of artists in the contemporary landscape.
Mind and Image: Neuroscience and the Creative Process
Barry Raybould — Artist and Scholar
A reflection on the relationship between cognitive processes, perception, and artistic creation, informed by recent scientific perspectives.
The Great Mystery of the Mona Lisa: One of the World’s Most Enigmatic Subjects. Which Versions Were Painted by Leonardo, and Where Are They Today?
Professor Guidi — Art Historian
An investigation into one of the most iconic and debated images in art history, focusing on versions attributed directly to Leonardo da Vinci, through historical analysis, stylistic comparison, and the enduring questions surrounding their authenticity and current location.
