We are the commissioners of the British Pavilion exhibition at the Venice Biennale, showcasing UK artists and architects at one of the world's most prestigious cultural events.
Running for six months each year from April/May until November, the Biennale alternates between visual art and architecture. We organise the British Pavilion exhibition, oversee the selection process of artists and architects, and preserve the historic Pavilion building.
Exhibiting groundbreaking artists
Our exhibitions in Venice have presented the work of some of the biggest names in 20th and 21st century British art, including Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth, Francis Bacon, Lucian Freud, Bridget Riley, Anish Kapoor, Rachel Whiteread, Chris Ofili, Tracey Emin, Jeremy Deller, Sarah Lucas and Phyllida Barlow.
In 2022, Sonia Boyce's Feeling Her Way won the Biennale's top Golden Lion prize for Best National Participation.
Presenting pioneering architects
Since the first architecture exhibition at the Pavilion in 1991, we have showcased the work of high profile architects, designers, artists and engineers including Zaha Hadid, Richard Rogers and Norman Foster.
In 2025, as part of our UK-Kenya Season of Culture, the British Pavilion exhibition will be curated by a team of architects from the UK and Kenya.
What is the Venice Biennale?
The Venice Biennale (La Biennale di Venezia) is one of the longest-running cultural festivals in the world, attracting up to 600,000 international visitors each year. The world's top curators organise ambitious exhibitions that set new global trends and help launch the international careers of pioneering artists and architects.
Venice Fellowship Programme
Our annual Fellowships Programme offers a unique opportunity for emerging creatives to represent the UK on an international level whilst broadening their perspective, making connections and developing their creative practice. The programme supports the British Pavilion exhibition and provides a platform for the development of new creative careers and future leaders.
Explore past exhibitions
Since 1895, British artists and architects have amazed, inspired and challenged visitors with their works and exhibitions at the Venice Biennale.
Discover previous exhibitions and learn more about the history of the Biennale, the British Pavilion and the British Council's involvement.
Tags:
- Art Form: Visual Arts
- Region: Europe