Short Description
The national presentations at the British Pavilion are renowned for influencing the future of contemporary culture at a global level. The art and architecture exhibitions in Venice reflect the best of UK creative talent; to complement this, the Fellowships Programme provides a platform for emerging creative individuals to develop key skills, build networks and engage directly with the exhibition.
Here at the British Council, we work closely with the Venice Programme Partners to embrace, trust and facilitate the experience of these talented individuals.
The Programme Partners are UK-based higher education institutions and creative organisations. They are responsible for running an open call to their networks, shortlisting internal candidates, funding the selected candidates, supporting their Fellows throughout their residency month in Venice and looking for additional opportunities to showcase the creative projects.
Eligibility
Potential organisations must fulfil the following criteria in order to be eligible to participate in the Programme:
Are either:
– a UK-based (England, Wales, Scotland, NI) and registered Higher Education Institution or
– a UK-based Creative (Arts, Craft, Design, Architecture) Organisation, Cultural/Creative Hub, Social Enterprise, Charity, or CIC
Have a demonstrated commitment to eliminating discrimination, promoting equality of opportunity, and fostering positive relations between people from different groups.
Commit to the social values and impact of the Fellowships Programme and encourage Fellows from your organisation to consider how best to apply those values when planning their residency month and project.
How to Apply
Please contact Sophie Lucas, Venice Partnerships and Programme Manager, at venicefellowships@britishcouncil.org for Guidance Notes and a link to the Application Form.
Program Benefits & Awards
Each Fellow will receive a Travel Grant of £3,300 (three thousand and three hundred British pounds).
The Fellowships Programme has two major components:
- Exhibition ambassador: Fellows will participate in a one-month group residency inside the British Pavilion: invigilating the exhibition spaces, engaging with the public, leading tours and acting as the face of the British Council and its exhibition commission.
Skills developed: cultural awareness and understanding; team-work and problem- solving; public speaking; public engagement; exhibition interpretation; personal confidence, resilience and adaptability; communication and foreign language; time-management.
The requested time commitment for invigilation is 23h per week during the period of one month. - Research or creative project: Fellows undertake fieldwork in Venice to inform their creative practice, research and/or academic interests. This fieldwork should be connected to the themes of Venice, La Biennale, the 61st International Art Exhibition, the British Pavilion and/or the 2026 commissioned exhibition.
Skills developed: time-management and planning; personal confidence and resilience; flexibility and collaboration; research, mapping and testing ideas; creativity and problem-solving; communication; audience engagement; project management.
Entry Fee
None
Location
United Kingdom
Timeline
- Application Deadline: 5 September 2025
Website Link: https://venicebiennale.britishcouncil.org/fellowship/become-fellowships-partner
