The search is on for Australia’s Creative Director at the 2016 Venice Architecture Biennale. The Australian Institute of Architects invites members of the architecture profession and the public to submit expressions of interest for what will be Australia’s sixth participation in the International Architecture Biennale. The creative director or curatorial team will be the key intellectual driver of Australia’s exhibtion.
A visualisation of the Australian Pavilion at the Giardini by Denton Corker Marshall.
Image: Denton Corker Marshall
The 2016 Architecture Biennale will also be the first architecture exhibition inside the new Denton Corker Marshall designed pavilion at the Giardini, set to open for the 56th International Art Exhibition in 2015. The Institute (through its Venice Biennale Committee) is seeking ideas and concepts that engage with the new pavilion.
It’s worth noting that for the past five participations, Australia’s exhibition has featured unbuilt works that represent Australian architects and architecture on the world stage. However, this should not be taken as a formula for a successful exhibition. The Committee is seeking potent and captivating ideas that reveal the unique characteristics of Australian culture and architecture. The exhibition concept should be both speculative and analytical as well as engage with audiences at all levels.
Since the international theme for 2016 Venice Architecture Biennale is not likely to be announced until late-2015, the Committee will select an exhibition concept that is flexible enough to be adapted to the overarching them once it is announced. Individual and teams are encourage to express their interests and teams must include an architect registered in Australia.
Proposals will be assessed against the following selection criteria:
- The power of the idea and the exhibition to engage the broad visitor demographic.
- An exhibition concept that has outstanding potential and relevance.
- Ability of the proposed team to develop and deliver their exhibition concept.
- Ability of the concept to engage with the new Australian pavilion and amplify its presence in the Giardini.
- Potential for the exhibition to travel nationally and internationally after showing in Venice.
On the selection panel are: Paul Berkemeier (chair, immediate past president of Australian Institute of Architects), Janet Holmes à Court AC (Commissioner), David Karotkin (national president of the Institute), Ross Clark (chief operating officer of the Institute), Rachel Neeson (Neeson Murcutt), Ken Maher (executive chairman, Hassell), Helen Lochhead (deputy Government Architect of NSW).
For more information and the brief and submission requirements, click here.
