Philanthropist to send artists and scientists to the South Pacific

Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Contemporary (TBA21), the Vienna-based foundation of Francesca von Habsburg, is striking out in the Pacific Ocean in a project about climate change. The foundation has launched an environmental research programme called The Current, sending artists, curators and scientists on a series of “knowledge production” expeditions to the Pacific islands between 2015 and 2018. Von Habsburg is also making plans to establish a pavilion at the Venice Biennale “displaying art and architectural projects informed and inspired by the oceans”. The collector is in discussions with the mayor of Venice to restore and rent the deconsecrated church of San Lorenzo as a venue.