Organizer Information
Culture Ireland, in partnership with the Arts Council, leads Ireland’s national representation at the Venice Biennale. The initiative supports Irish artists, curators and commissioners by presenting contemporary Irish visual art to international audiences and creating opportunities for professional development, visibility and international engagement. The Venice Biennale is one of the world’s most significant international platforms for contemporary art, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors and providing access to international curators, galleries and arts professionals.
Title & Description
Ireland at Venice 2028 – Call for Expressions of Interest in the Curation of Ireland’s Exhibition
Culture Ireland and the Arts Council invite Expressions of Interest from experienced Irish artists, curators, collectives, organisations and teams to develop and curate Ireland’s national presentation at the 62nd International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia in 2028.
The selected curator/team will develop an ambitious exhibition representing contemporary visual arts practice from Ireland for an international audience. The proposal should demonstrate strong artistic quality, originality, international relevance and the capacity to deliver a major exhibition in Venice, followed by a national tour of Ireland in 2029.
The overall Venice Biennale 2028 curatorial theme had not been announced when the call was published. Ireland’s presentation is expected, where possible, to respond to the Biennale’s overall theme once available.
The Role Overview
- Role: Curator/Lead Applicant for Ireland’s national exhibition at Venice Biennale 2028
- Contract/Appointment: Project-based curatorial appointment
- Budget: Approximately €520,000 for the Venice presentation
- Net operating budget: Approximately €350,000, after the estimated €170,000 venue rental
- Irish Tour Budget: Up to €120,000 for the 2029 national tour, subject to a separate Arts Council proposal
- Preparation Fee: €1,000 for shortlisted Stage II applicants
- Reporting/Partnership: Culture Ireland and the Arts Council
- Venue: Ireland’s provisionally reserved space in the Arsenale, Venice
- Exhibition period: May–November 2028
- Tour: Ireland, 2029
Position & Tasks
The successful curator/team will lead the commissioning and delivery of Ireland’s exhibition. Responsibilities include developing the artistic concept, commissioning the proposed artist and creative team, managing the project and budget, fundraising, liaising with the Biennale and venue, coordinating production and administration, and overseeing communications and press.
The curator will also manage exhibition design and production, shipping, installation and de-installation, travel and accommodation, promotion and the opening event in Venice. A project-management plan, financial-management structure and reporting framework must be agreed with Culture Ireland and the Arts Council.
The curator is also responsible for planning the subsequent Irish tour in 2029.
Categories
- Visual Art
- Contemporary Art
- Curatorial Practice
- Exhibition Making
- Art Commissioning
- Collaborative Artistic Practice
Eligibility
The call is open to individuals, collectives, organisations and teams based in Ireland or holding Irish citizenship. The curator and proposed artist(s) must be based in Ireland or hold Irish citizenship.
Artists may be at any career stage. The proposed presentation should be by a solo artist or collaborative practice; group exhibitions will only be considered in exceptional circumstances.
The proposed artist cannot have previously had a solo exhibition at the Venice Biennale, and retrospectives are not eligible. The proposed work must be new to exhibition and must not have been exhibited before its presentation at Venice in 2028.
The curator or institution involved cannot be the proposed artist and cannot have a commercial relationship with the proposed artist.
Program Benefits
The selected team receives responsibility for Ireland’s official national presentation at one of the world’s leading contemporary art exhibitions. The opportunity provides substantial international visibility, professional networking and opportunities to develop the careers of participating artists, curators and commissioners.
The Venice project has an indicative €520,000 core budget, while a separate budget of up to €120,000 may support the 2029 Irish tour. The Venice budget covers production, exhibition delivery, shipping, installation, travel and accommodation, promotion and the opening event. Fundraising may be required to supplement the core budget.
Shortlisted applicants invited to Stage II receive a €1,000 preparation fee.
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Applicants must submit an Expression of Interest by email to: IrelandAtVenice@cultureireland.gov.ie
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 1 September 2026
- Stage I Shortlist Notification: September 2026
- Stage II Interviews: Expected during the week commencing 19 October 2026
- Successful Applicant Announcement: Following Stage II
- Venice Exhibition: May–November 2028
- Irish Tour: 2029
Location
Venice, Italy
Additional Details
Applications are assessed on artistic quality, achievement of the objectives and feasibility. Particular consideration is given to artistic track record, ambition and originality, international relevance, curatorial and project-management experience, fundraising capacity, international networks, audience engagement and equitable conditions and remuneration for participating artists.
The selection consists of two stages. Stage I evaluates written Expressions of Interest. Shortlisted applicants proceed to an interview before a panel chaired independently and including representatives of Culture Ireland and the Arts Council, plus two internationally recognised visual arts experts.
Applicants requiring accessibility support may contact the Arts Council Access Officer at access@artscouncil.ie.