Social turmoil, violence, political upheaval, indigenous rights disputes: From Ecuador to Cuba, the strife and conflicts that have shaped Latin America’s history are all too current in the daily headlines about crime, marginalization and repression.

Yet that chaotic reality has also incubated a vibrant and diverse art scene whose influence is expanding beyond the region. This year, for instance, will see the appointment of the first Latin American curator to direct the Venice Art Biennale. Rio de Janeiro-born Adriano Pedrosa will take on the world’s longest-running contemporary art exhibition from April with “Foreigners Everywhere,” a show focused on highlighting Global South movements and giving voice to artists otherwise ignored, from migrants to indigenous groups.