Organizer Information
The Venice Architecture Biennale 2027 serves as the centerpiece for the latest open call from the British Council, the United Kingdom’s international organization for cultural relations and educational opportunities. Founded in 1934 and incorporated by Royal Charter, the Council works with over 100 countries to build connections through Art, Culture, and Education. Since 1937, the British Council has been responsible for the British Pavilion at the Biennial, commissioning exhibitions that showcase the pinnacle of contemporary Architecture and Visual Arts. This specific Project aims to create a global platform for debate, challenging and influencing future architectural practices while fostering innovation and Interdisciplinary Arts collaboration.
Title & Description
The British Council Commission: Open Call for Exhibition Proposals at the 20th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia
The British Council is seeking a collaborative UK–Malaysia architectural Practitioner Team to develop and deliver an exhibition for the British Pavilion in Venice in 2027. This milestone commission coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the UK and Malaysia. The commission invites teams to build upon the "UK-Malaysia Human-Nature" programme, exploring the complex relationships between humans and the natural environment. Proposals should address global challenges through the lens of contemporary architecture and the built environment. Suggested themes include colonialism, extractive economies, identity, representation, ancestral knowledge, biodiversity, and the climate emergency. The goal is to produce a courageous, bold narrative that is relevant to practices in the UK, Malaysia, Southeast Asia, and the wider world.
Categories
Architecture, Curatorial, Design, Exhibition Design, Research, Urban Planning, Environmental Art, and Multimedia.
Eligibility
- Practitioner Teams: Open to architects, exhibition designers, curators, educators, and researchers.
- Nationality/Residency: Teams must be collaborative, featuring at least one UK partner and one Malaysian partner.
- Lead Applicant: The lead applicant must be resident or working in the UK and affiliated with a UK VAT-registered organization to sign the contract.
- Experience: Teams must demonstrate professional experience in exhibition development and delivery.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Participation Fee: The successful lead applicant will receive a fee of £25,000 (exclusive of VAT) to cover time and work for the required deliverables.
- Production Budget: The exhibition will be funded through an agreed production budget (managed by the British Council).
- Global Exposure: Opportunity to showcase work at one of the world's most prestigious cultural events, the Venice Biennale.
- Networking: Professional development and connection within international architectural and curatorial networks.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Online Application Form: Submitted via the British Council’s portal.
- Exhibition Proposal: A compelling narrative and clear design concept.
- Team Profiles: CVs or biographies of the UK and Malaysian partners.
- Budget Template: A preliminary breakdown of how the production budget might be utilized.
- Portfolio/Work Samples: Evidence of previous relevant exhibition or architectural projects.
- Equality and Diversity Monitoring Form.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 14 January 2026
- Jury Review/Shortlisting: Early 2026
- Announcement of Selection: Expected mid-2026
- Exhibition Period: May to November 2027 (exact dates for the 20th International Architecture Exhibition to be confirmed by La Biennale).
Location
United Kingdom
Additional Details
The proposal must have the flexibility to be experienced both physically in the historic British Pavilion and digitally by a global audience. The British Council emphasizes equality, diversity, and inclusion; teams are encouraged to represent a diverse range of voices and backgrounds. The selected team will work closely with the British Council's Architecture, Design, and Fashion (ADF) team to ensure the project meets logistical and safety standards in Venice.