Organizer Information
DOMA Initiatives is a creative organization that supports artistic and cultural development through international engagement, research, and collaborative initiatives. For the 2027 Venice Biennale Fellowship, DOMA Initiatives is collaborating with the British Council to nominate an eligible early-career professional based in Malaysia for participation in the Venice Fellowships Programme. The fellowship provides an opportunity to engage with international artistic and architectural discourse while representing DOMA Initiatives and Malaysia at the British Pavilion during the 62nd International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia.
Title & Description
Venice Biennale Fellowship 2027: Open Call for Early-Career Creative Professionals in Malaysia
The Venice Biennale Fellowship 2027 invites applications from early-career professionals working in architecture and related creative fields who are based in Malaysia. One fellow will be selected to participate in a one-month placement in Venice, Italy, between May and November 2027, as part of a UK–Malaysia collaboration marking 70 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The fellowship combines exhibition stewardship with independent research or creative development. During the placement, the selected fellow will spend approximately 50% of their time serving as an exhibition ambassador at the British Pavilion, welcoming and engaging with international visitors, stewarding the exhibition, and supporting daily gallery operations. The remaining 50% will be dedicated to independent research or the development of an architectural or creative project inspired by Venice, the Pavilion, and the themes of the Biennale.
Before travelling to Italy, the selected fellow must complete 15 hours of compulsory online preparation and collaborative workshops organized by the British Council between March and April 2027.
Categories
- Architecture
- Visual Arts
- Interdisciplinary Arts
- Creative Research
- Design and Related Creative Practices
Applicants should demonstrate how their research or creative practice engages with the themes of La Biennale di Venezia. The categories above describe the relevant fields; applicants should consult the official guidance notes for the complete eligibility requirements.
Eligibility
This opportunity is intended for early-career professionals who meet the following criteria:
- Must be based in Malaysia and actively working in architecture or a related creative field.
- Must demonstrate a portfolio that integrates research or creative practice with the themes of La Biennale di Venezia.
- Must possess strong written and spoken English communication skills.
- Must demonstrate maturity, adaptability, and commitment to representing DOMA Initiatives and Malaysia.
- Must satisfy all additional eligibility requirements specified in the British Council's Venice Fellowship Programme Guidance Notes 2027.
The call is geographically restricted to eligible professionals based in Malaysia. International applicants who are not based in Malaysia should not assume they qualify.
Program Benefits & Awards
One fellowship position is available for the 2027 cycle. The selected fellow will receive a grant of £5,050 to help cover travel, accommodation in Venice, visa processing, and daily living expenses during the one-month placement.
Additional benefits include international professional exposure, engagement with the British Pavilion's exhibition programme, opportunities to interact with international visitors, and dedicated time for independent research or creative project development. The fellowship also includes 15 hours of online pre-fellowship training and collaborative workshops organized by the British Council.
After returning to Malaysia, the fellow must contribute to DOMA Initiatives' creative platforms by conducting a sharing session, workshop, or exhibition presenting their research or project developed during the fellowship.
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
- Read the official Venice Fellowship Programme Guidance Notes 2027.
- Complete the official 2027 Application Form.
- Prepare a complete submission package containing the application form, CV, and portfolio or research proposal.
- Email all required materials to the DOMA Initiatives Selection Committee at veronican@sunway.edu.my.
Key Dates
- Briefing session by DOMA Initiatives: 20 October 2026
- British Council online Q&A session: 29 October 2026
- Application Deadline: 27 November 2026, 12:00 PM Malaysia Time (MYT).
- Shortlisting and interviews: 30 November–3 December 2026; exact dates to be confirmed.
- Nomination to the British Council Malaysia: 4 December 2026.
- Final selection announcement: January 2027.
- Online pre-fellowship training: March–April 2027.
- Fellowship placement: One month between May and November 2027.
Location
Malaysia
Additional Details
DOMA Initiatives will interview shortlisted applicants, with approximately two to five candidates considered for the single available fellowship position. The organization will nominate its selected candidate to the British Council Malaysia for final approval.
Applicants should prepare a strong portfolio or research proposal demonstrating the relationship between their practice and the Biennale's themes. They should also be prepared to undertake exhibition ambassador responsibilities alongside independent research or creative work.
For enquiries, contact Veronica Ng, DOMA Initiatives Coordinator, at veronican@sunway.edu.my.