Call out for Creative Directors of the 2018 Venice Architecture Biennale

The Australian Institute of Architects is seeking expressions of interest for the role of Creative Director for the Australian exhibition at the 16th Venice Architecture Biennale 2018.

The Venice Architectural Biennale includes a range of exhibitions and related activities. These include a major exhibition (curated by the International Biennale Director) in the Arsenale, the National Pavilion exhibitions (selected by the individual participating countries) in the Giardini, thematic exhibitions and an umbrella program throughout Venice.

The Australian Institute of Architects decided in 2005 that it would encourage and facilitate Australia’s representation at the Venice Architecture Biennale. Since that time the Institute’s commitment has been substantial and ongoing with successful exhibitions at the last six Biennales.

The profile of the event is growing and in 2016, the exhibition saw the highest visitation figures on record.

The Brief:

The exhibition showcases Australian architectural thinking, culture and design, and should communicate a rich and engaging story about Australian architecture, potentially also embracing urbanism and landscape, to an international audience.

It should represent and explore the place and experience of architecture in the Australian community. The exhibition acts as an interface between Australian architecture and the world, connecting our profession and industry to an international audience.

Arguably, the most memorable exhibits from past Biennales have demonstrated common attributes, including an exceptionally clear and potent idea, an ability to engage with different levels of audience commitment (both time and intellectual investment), and a directness of communication style.

For 2018 the Venice Biennale Committee seeks a powerful idea that reveals what is particular about Australian architecture. A successful concept will be captivating, thought-provoking and inspirational.

It’s important to consider the scale of the event and entrants should be cognisant of the audience’s threshold when considering the content of their submission.

Consideration should also be given to the curated exhibition’s journey post-Venice and its adaptability to tour, both internationally and locally, once the exhibition closes in Venice. This may include particular elements of the exhibition touring or the content taking on a new shape and form to broaden its reach.

The Creative Director/s and their curatorial team are the key creative intellect of each Biennale exhibition. The Creative Director/s will be both speculative and analytical about our culture, gathering the elements of an idea and envisioning the exhibition to powerfully convey that idea.

While the team must include an architect registered in Australia, individuals, universities, multi-disciplinary teams, including urban designers, landscape architects, architects and other creative disciplines as well as students of architecture are encouraged to join in the expression of interest.

The Venice Biennale authority has confirmed its decision to take direct responsibility for determining an overall theme for the Architecture Biennale. Quite possibly, this theme may not be announced until late 2017.

The Venice Biennale Committee will thus be interested in how the chosen exhibition concept can be tailored towards the overarching International Directors theme (once announced).

Further information can be found here.