(30 June 2016). Art Quadrennial Rome’s first presentation outside of Italy took place in Beijing in the Auditorium of the Italian Cultural Institute. The event was organised by the Italian Embassy and the Institute with the participation of Franco Bernabè, president of the Quadrennial Foundation. Over a hundred guests attended, including representatives from the most important museums and galleries and curators and collectors. Among these was the vice chairman of the China’s National Museum, Chen Lvsheng. The 16th Art Quadriennial titled ‘other times, other myths’ consists of 11 curators, 10 exhibition sections, 99 artists and 150 works, at the Palazzo delle Esposizioni from October 13 until 8 January 2017. Ambassador to China Ettore Sequi in his opening address states, “the Quadrennial will be a window on the innovative capabilities and on different Italian styles. I am convinced that the Chinese public, increasingly attentive to quality, will appreciate the works of art and their ‘italianness’. This exhibition demonstrates that Italy is at the same time a museum and laboratory, tradition and innovation”. Bernabè has underlined the affinity between contemporary Chinese and Italian art, “China is the most important country with whom to build cultural relations”. The president of the Quadrennial also highlighted art’s role in Italian society and in the economy. “Italian art is a widespread phenomenon that is part of Italy’s traditions. In every corner of Italian society there is a work of art”. (Red)
