September 8, 2026 · global
Bienal de Arte Paiz 2027: Cuauhtémoc Medina Appointed Curator of the 25th Edition
The Guatemalan biennial has named a renowned Mexican curator to lead its next edition.
The Bienal de Arte Paiz, one of Central America's oldest contemporary art events, has announced the appointment of Cuauhtémoc Medina as curator for its 25th edition, scheduled for 2027. A Mexican art historian and curator, Medina is a respected figure on the international scene, known for his work leading Manifesta and the Shanghai Biennale, two major events that have shaped his career.
Founded in Guatemala in 1978, the biennial was created to promote contemporary art in the region and provide a platform for Central American artists. Over the decades, it has established itself as a key event, attracting participants from across Latin America and beyond. For this anniversary edition, the choice of Medina underscores the event's ambition to broaden its horizons and strengthen its dialogue with global art scenes.
Cuauhtémoc Medina, born in 1965 in Mexico City, is also a researcher and critic. He served as chief curator at the University Museum of Contemporary Art (MUAC) in Mexico, where he developed a bold programming. His curatorial approach, often grounded in political and social reflection, has been praised during his interventions at the Venice Biennale and documenta, where he brought original Latin American perspectives.
The appointment comes at a time when Latin American biennials are seeking to assert their specificity while integrating into international networks. With Medina, the Bienal de Arte Paiz may likely explore themes related to colonial legacies, migrations, and inequalities, subjects that run through his work. Organizers have not yet revealed the precise theme of the 2027 edition or the list of participating artists.
The 2027 edition should also be an opportunity to celebrate nearly half a century of existence of the biennial and its role in consolidating a dynamic regional art scene. Details on exact dates and the main venue, probably in Guatemala City, will be announced later. In the meantime, the announcement already places the event in the spotlight, confirming its importance in the global art calendar.
Written by the ADM desk based on Exibart. Read the original article for the full story.
Source — Exibart ↗