Project overview
As the world’s oldest and most highly regarded exhibition of contemporary art, the Venice Biennale continues to showcase the most cutting edge and extraordinary international contemporary visual art practice from around the world. Australia’s formal participation at the Venice Biennale began in 1954. We have supported and managed Australia’s participation in the Venice Biennale since 1978, engaging Australia as a key player in the visual arts internationally.
In 2019 we became the commissioner for Australia’s participation at the Venice Biennale implementing an open call for proposal to exhibit within the Australia Pavilion. 41 distinguished contemporary visual artists have exhibited under the Australia banner. The career defining opportunity for artists and curators offers a high profile international exposure to new audiences, and markets, in a global context.
Delivered under the International Engagement Strategy 2021 – 2025, the full Australia at Venice project comprises of:
- The artist(s) and curator(s) exhibiting in the Australia Pavilion under the category of National Participation at the International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia.
- A suite of professional development opportunities for Australia creative and cultural practitioners (this component of the project officially began in 1990).
- A co-investment and strategic partnerships campaign to facilitate philanthropic support and engagement with cross-industry partners committed to help realise the project.