The Florence Biennale is one of the few international art events structured as a self-financed independent platform for contemporary art, where Artists from all over the world come to Florence to exhibit their work at the Fortezza da Basso, and share an inspiring, live, and unique experience. The event is patronised by the President of the Republic and Ministry of Cultural Heritage of Italy as well as the Regional, Provincial and Municipal authorities of the City of Florence.

Founded in 1997 by Pasquale and Piero Celona, in 2001 the Florence Biennale welcomed Jacopo Celona as Communication and PR manager of the organisation of which he is now Executive Director, coadiuvated by the curator Lilia Lamas and a team of professionals. In 2013 the newly appointed Art Director of the Florence Biennale is Professor Rolando Bellini, who redefined its mission formulating the theme of the forthcoming IXth Edition. The organisation relies on the Artist International Selection Committee, composed by foremost scholars and art exponents from many different countries.

In synergy with the City of Florence, the Florence Biennale has conferred the “Lorenzo il Magnifico” Lifetime Achievement Award. In each edition, the International Jury of the “Lorenzo il Magnifico” Award assigns this tribute to individuals and organisations for distinguished merits in Art, Design, and Culture. Illustrious names received this award in the past editions, and the names of the outstanding person who will receive it in 2013 are going to be disclosed in due course.

Source: www.florencebiennale.org