Creative director sought for Australia

The Australian Institute of Architects is seeking expressions of interest for creative director(s) to lead Australia's exhibition at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale.

Curated by Italian architect and engineer Carlo Ratti, the biennale will be themed "Intelligens. Natural. Artificial. Collective."

"The title Intelligens is linked to the modern term "intelligence," but it also evokes a wider set of associated meanings," Carlo Ratti said of the theme. "In fact, the final syllable, "gens" is Latin for "people". A new, fictional root emerges, suggesting a future of intelligence that is inclusive, multiple, and imaginative beyond today's limiting focus on AI."

The Institute is seeking an inspiring and bold exhibition to be delivered by an individual or partnership with their nominated team.

"Given the timeframe for delivery, while not essential, it is anticipated they may be building upon existing research or projects as a springboard to create a compelling, bold and theme-relevant exhibition for Venice," the Institute said.

The creative director(s) will be selected by a curatorial committee comprising Claire McCaughan (director of Custom Mad and cofounder of Archrival), Kate Goodwin (independent curator and writer, and adjunct professor at the University of Sydney), Maggie Edmond (principal of Edmond and Corrigan and Australian Institute of Architects 2003 Gold Medallist), Michael Jasper (professor at the University of Canberra), Ivan Ling (Hogg and Lamb and member of the Emerging Architects and Graduates Network), Jane Cassidy (national president of the Institute), and Cameron Bruhn (CEO of the Institute).

"The 2025 Venice Biennale Curatorial Committee's vision is to tell a rich and engaging story, showcase original ideas and describe the depth of our architectural expertise. It also provides the opportunity to promote the value of architecture nationally within Australia," Cassidy said.

Applicants must have prior relevant curatorial experience, detailed knowledge of contemporary architecture in Australia and internationally, and experience working with the media and stakeholders. At least one member of the creative director team must be a financial member of the Institute.

Applications close 7 August 2024. The winning team will be notified in September. The winning team will be paid an honorarium of $30,000.

For more information and to submit an application, see the Australian Institute of Architects website.