Sophie Crichton Stuart is the Chair of the Mount Stuart Trust. She is additionally the founding Director of the Contemporary Visual Arts Programme at Mount Stuart, which this year celebrates its 25 year anniversary and curated Bugarin + Castle’s Shame Parade. We asked Sophie six questions as part of our Postcard from Venice series, with recommendations and tips for visiting La Biennale di Venezia from friends and colleagues of Scotland + Venice.

What did you think of the work in the context of the wider biennale?
Scotland + Venice really popped for me in terms of rigour, research, immediate relevance and cultural thought; its multimedia and visual impact, and of course it’s deep dive into queer and trans communities and issues. And fun!

If you had three tips for someone going to Venice what would those be?
Be prepared for all weathers, have a plan, if you are exhibiting leave nothing to chance even an electrical lead. Hydrate and eat.

When in town where must one eat, drink and sleep?
It’s a lottery of accommodation. Book early. Restaurants: Osteria Enoteca Ai Artisti and Osteria All Frasca. Anywhere on Via Garibaldi to catch up with friends for a drink or lunch.

Who is your ultimate Venice companion and why?
Anyone from Scotland + Venice, Melissa Blanchflower from Turner Margate, Eric Shiner from Powerhouse NYC or artist Oisin Byrne!

Name three other projects not to miss in Venice? 
Elegy at Salizada S. Antonin; Abbas Akhavan at the Canada Pavilion; Lydia Ourahmane at Nicoletta Fiorucci Foundation.

Why is Venice important to you, as an art moment?
It’s a great opportunity to see an international spectrum of art and cultural thought. I enjoy the main Arsenale and Biennale event, but I value especially the Collateral events, Foundation events and intersectionality of off-site events, performances and exhibitions.