The 61st Venice Biennale opens in ten days. But, details regarding how exactly the United States is financing its pavilion of Alma Allen sculptures remain unclear. In the absence of tent-pole sponsors like the Ford Foundation and the Mellon Foundation —who both supported Jeffrey Gibson ’s pavilion in 2024 —the pavilion’s commissioner, the American Arts Conservancy , is soliciting donations. The U.S. government traditionally contributes $375,000 towards each of its Biennale pavilions. Alas, these presentations typically cost seven figures. Allen’s is no different. His installation “significantly exceeds the federal grant amount,” a State Department spokesperson told Hyperallergic . Alma Allen, Not Yet Titled (2016) Photo courtesy of Perrotin Thus, the AAC is turning to its own network of supporters, which includes Nevada-based Republican donors Jim and Aimee Battista, New York-based talent manager Tom Ierna, and Venezuela-born actor Alex Pita —according to photos from a dinner AAC hosted in December.…