The Australian Institute of Architects is calling for expressions of interest for the role of creative director for the Australian exhibition at the 16th International Architecture Biennale in Venice in 2018.

The exhibition will be the second to be situated within the recently completed permanent pavilion, located in the Giardini and designed by Denton Corker Marshall in 2012. The ‘black box’, which came under fire for its lack of community engagement when designed, has already housed the acclaimed 2016 exhibition The Pool.

In 2016, the Venice Architectural Biennale attracted over 260,000 visitors and is touted as a premier architectural event. Australia is among a selection of countries from around the world who are represented with a dedicated National Pavilion exhibition. The Australian Pavilion is owned by the Australia Council for the Arts, while Australia’s exhibition within the Pavilion at the event is curated and managed by the Australian Institute of Architects.

The Venice Architectural Biennale committee is seeking a “powerful idea that reveals what is particular about Australian architecture. A successful concept will be captivating, thought-provoking and inspirational.”

Other key criteria includes:

• 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 and amplify the new Australian Pavilion in the Giardini, and
• adaptability for the exhibition to travel nationally and internationally after showing in Venice.

Expressions of interest for the role are now open, with submissions closing 26 February, 2017.

Find out more at architecture.com.au/venicebiennale

Read Australian Design Review’s interview with the 2016 Creative Directors behind The Pool.