The Australia Council for the Arts, the Australian Government’s arts funding and advisory body, has managed and funded an Australian representation at the Venice Biennale for nearly 30 years.

We are committed to building opportunities for the international presentation and collection of Australian contemporary art, and representation at the Biennale is an important part of this strategy.

Australia’s participation in the Venice Biennale has contributed to the professional development of many artists and has opened up significant presentation opportunities internationally.

In common with 28 other countries, the Australia Council owns a pavilion in the Giardini di Castello. The Australian Pavilion was designed by renowned Australian architect Philip Cox and opened in 1988.

Australia first exhibited at the Venice Biennale in 1954 and has participated in every event since 1978 (excluding 1984).