In 2026, the historic Chiesa dell’Abbazia della Misericordia in Venice will reopen to the public after a significant restoration process, becoming the home of Etnia House of Arts, a new cultural platform dedicated to artistic experimentation, dialogue and contemporary creativity.

The project is promoted by Etnia Eyewear Culture, as the deepest cultural initiative of Etnia Barcelona, and aims to transform the Misericordia into a living space for artistic production, cultural exchange and public engagement.
Throughout the season, la Misericordia will host exhibitions, artistic interventions and performances, creating a dynamic environment where art is produced and experienced in real time.

Among the initiatives presented within this framework, Etnia House of Arts presents the residency program hosting international artists engaged in the creation of artworks starting from an unconventional and unusual canvas — eyewear.
The artworks will evolve through a dialogue with the architecture of the space, the city of Venice, and its visitors, allowing them to encounter not only completed works, but also the creative process itself, making each visit a unique experience.

This approach reflects a broader vision of cultural programming in which the Misericordia becomes a place of encounter between artists and audiences.. The project aligns with Etnia Eyewear Culture’s broader vision of creating cultural spaces where art, creativity and community interact, transforming venues into active cultural hubs rather than traditional exhibition spaces.