HOMO FABER FELLOWSHIP
Discover

HOMO FABER 2026: AN ISLAND OF LIGHT

ARTISTIC DIRECTION ES DEVLIN

1–30 September 2026 - Venice, Fondazione Giorgio Cini

AN ISLAND OF LIGHT

AN ISLAND OF LIGHT

The fourth edition of Homo Faber Biennial invites you to explore the fundamental relationship between light, materials and the human hand.


Embark on a sensory journey through 15 immersive installations in the historic grounds and buildings of Fondazione Giorgio Cini and discover hundreds of handcrafted objects by artisans from around the world. Artistic Director Es Devlin’s unique staging illuminates the creativity and talent of the artisans, while live demonstrations, participatory workshops, culinary experiences and bespoke tours bring you even closer to craft.


Inspired by the archipelago of the Venetian lagoon, Es Devlin has created a narrative that unites the work of hundreds of individual craft artists from across the world – each an island of talent and skill within the wider waters of craftsmanship – on San Giorgio Maggiore. By manipulating light through the use of water, mirrors, movement and more, Devlin creates a journey that illuminates the world of craftsmanship, from the craft artists themselves to their workshops, tools, materials and the exquisite objects they create. Together, the exhibition spaces explore the relationship between light, materials, talent and creativity, revealing how master artisans can use this life-giving energy as a tool to create wonder and joy.



The Artistic Director

Es Devlin

Acclaimed British artist and designer Es Devlin is one of the most luminous artists of her generation. Her monumental installations and kinetic performance sculptures have graced museums, galleries, theatres, opera houses and Olympic stadiums worldwide, while her Library of Light installation drew nearly 200,000 visitors to the Pinacoteca di Brera at Salone del Mobile in Milan in spring 2025.


HOMO FABER 2026: BY THE NUMBERS

400+ ARTISANS

400+ ARTISANS

800+ INSPIRING OBJECTS

800+ INSPIRING OBJECTS

70+ COUNTRIES

70+ COUNTRIES

ENJOY VENICE’S CULINARY SCENE

ENJOY VENICE’S CULINARY SCENE

Bespoke gastronomic experiences of Homo Faber 2026 allow visitors to immerse themselves in Venice’s culinary craftsmanship and curate their day, from light meals and pop-up spaces to fine dining.

CURATE YOUR VISIT

CURATE YOUR VISIT

Homo Faber 2026 is an immersive experience. Besides the exhibition spaces, visitors can enjoy participatory craft workshops, take a private visit and interact with artisans working live on site.

LIVE DEMONSTRATIONS

LIVE DEMONSTRATIONS

Get closer to craftsmanship by experiencing live demonstrations by artisans working in the exhibition spaces. Watch them work, discover their techniques and ask them questions about their crafts.

TAKE PART IN CRAFT WORKSHOPS

TAKE PART IN CRAFT WORKSHOPS

Enjoy two participatory workshops presented by Mazda. Try your hand at Japanese crafts such as hand-carving a traditional wood stamp, known as hanko, or practising the craft of kintsugi, guided by master artisans.

YOUNG AMBASSADORS

YOUNG AMBASSADORS

Throughout the exhibition spaces on San Giorgio Maggiore Island, Young Ambassadors - 90 talented international students of craft and design selected by Homo Faber - will make the exhibition come alive for visitors in a personalised way

ENJOY VENICE’S CULINARY SCENE

ENJOY VENICE’S CULINARY SCENE

Bespoke gastronomic experiences of Homo Faber 2026 allow visitors to immerse themselves in Venice’s culinary craftsmanship and curate their day, from light meals and pop-up spaces to fine dining.

CURATE YOUR VISIT

CURATE YOUR VISIT

Homo Faber 2026 is an immersive experience. Besides the exhibition spaces, visitors can enjoy participatory craft workshops, take a private visit and interact with artisans working live on site.

ENRICH YOUR EXPERIENCE BY EXPLORING CRAFT ACROSS VENICE


HOMO FABER IN CITTÀ AT CASA SANLORENZO

Casa Sanlorenzo will host two exhibitions during Homo Faber 2026: one dedicated to master artisans from Venice and the Veneto, curated by Artemest, and another presenting craftspeople from Luxembourg, curated by De Mains De Maîtres Luxembourg.


ARTISAN WORKSHOP VISITS

Throughout September, the Venetian artisanal workshops of Homo Faber Guide will throw open their doors to the public, with suggested itineraries available online to help visitors plan their time.


SPECIAL EVENTS ON THE OCCASION OF HOMO FABER 2026

Homo Faber 2026 will feature a programme of craft events and exhibitions related to Venice and its rich craft heritage, staged in beautiful locations.


The full programme will be unveiled in June 2026.

Curated by
michelangelo-foundation.png
Under the high patronage of
HF26 Consulate General of Switzerland in Milan
HF26 City of Venice
Veneto Region
In partnership with
HF26 Fondazione Cologni Mestieri d’Arte
HF26 Fondazione Giorgio Cini