Creative Directors for the Australia Pavilion at the 2025 Venice Architecture Pavillion Named

The Australian Institute of Architects has revealed the Creative Directors for the Australia Pavilion at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale Di Venezia 2025. First Nations design team, Dr Michael Mossman, Emily McDaniel and Jack Gillmer will present their selected entry, HOME, a highly sensory pavilion design that champions Australia’s natural environment and Indigenous learning. HOME will debut in Venice in May 2025 and will explore Aboriginal knowledge and sustainable design, offering an immersive experience that fosters deep connections to culture and Country.

Dr Michael Mossman explained the 2025 Australia Pavilion will be a space for meaningful dialogue between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples on an international scale. “This is the first Venice Architecture Biennale following the Australian referendum to amend the Australian Constitution for a Voice to Parliament. While the result presented a setback to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander agency and self-determination at a constitutional level, it opened opportunities for impactful dialogue between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people which we will continue with HOME.”

Jack Gillmer adds, “The pavilion design and participatory interaction invites First Nations making, storytelling, and yarning to facilitate relationships and ideate a concept of culturally safe spaces within the context of institutional architectures. As a collective we practice collaboratively through yarning, reaching consensus on diverse narratives and values resulting in a rich proposal. The Australian Pavilion at the Biennale will celebrate cultural exchange, Country, and cultural knowledge systems to enable conversations and connection on a global scale working towards First Nations led methodologies to reconsider architectural practices towards sustainability, net zero carbon, and material circularity.”

The creative sphere of First Nations leadership of Mossman, McDaniel and Gillmer, with Clarence Slockee, Kaylie Salvatori, Elle Davidson, and Bradley Kerr, alongside global ambassadors, will bring rich cultural programming to the pavilion. Emily McDaniel emphasised the importance of the programming that will feature storytelling, performance, future generational contributions and hands-on cultural exchanges, encouraging visitors to engage deeply with the theme of Home. “HOME is a generous and timely offering to the Venice Architecture Biennale that will welcome visitors as active contributors and participants. Through design, enlivened public conversations, cultural practice and ceremony, we will facilitate a shared and collective experience that resonates with international audiences and recognises the criticality of First Nations knowledge.”

The Creative Directors for the 2025 Bienalle were selected by an intensive process by the 2025 Venice Biennale Curatorial Committee from 21 entries (and an eventual shortlist of four). Jane Cassidy, National President of the Institute and member of the Curatorial Committee explained their rationale behind selecting HOME and its sustainability credentials. “The 2025 Venice Biennale Curatorial Committee’s vision was to find a team of Creative Directors who could present an Australian Exhibition that tells a rich, engaging story while demonstrating the depth of Australian architectural expertise. Michael, Emily and Jack certainly exemplify this with their vision.”

The Venice Architecture Biennale is the leading global platform for architectural dialogue and innovation, drawing participants and visitors worldwide. It provides architects with a unique opportunity to showcase their pioneering work and ideas on an international stage. The Australia Pavilion at the Venice Biennale offers a chance to present Australia’s most cutting-edge architectural ideas and practices to a global audience. It elevates the international profile of Australian architecture and fosters connections with both international and local audiences.

The Australia Pavilion is also used for the Venice Biennale Arts Festival held on alternative bi-annual dates to the architecture festival. In 2024, First Nations artist Archie Moore was named the recipient of the coveted Golden Lion for best national pavilion at Venice, marking the first time in history that an Australian has received the accolade. The title of the installation, ‘kith and kin’, draws on Old English terms for family and countrymen and extends the Aboriginal notion of kinship systems to include the “kith” of all humankind.

The Australian Institute of Architects is commissioned by Creative Australia to participate in the Venice Architecture Biennale. For the 2025 Venice Biennale, the Institute has engaged Creative Australia in an expanded producer role, supporting Creative Directors with pavilion management and local procurement.

Brickworks is returning as the Principal Partner for the Australian Pavilion at the 2025 Venice Biennale, continuing its strong support of innovative architecture, design, and the Australian Institute of Architects. General Manager of Marketing, Brett Ward commented, “Brickworks is proud to continue our partnership with the Australian Institute of Architects for the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale. We are excited to see how the pavilion will showcase the best of Australian design on a global stage, fostering conversations that are crucial for the future of architecture and sustainability.”

The highly anticipated Australian Exhibition of HOME will open to the world on 8 May 2025.