National Pavilion UAE seeks proposals for 2025 Venice Biennale

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – The National Pavilion UAE has announced an open call for proposals to curate the UAE’s upcoming exhibition for the 19th International Architecture Exhibition (Biennale Architettura), at La Biennale di Venezia, which will run from May to November 2025.

The proposals for the National Pavilion UAE participation at Biennale Architettura 2025 will need to showcase an untold story from the UAE’s architectural discourse. Architects, designers, artists, historians, and researchers who have worked or studied within the UAE or the MENASA region are invited to submit proposals.

Applications are open to everyone, including non-UAE residents.The National Pavilion UAE has participated in five exhibitions at the Biennale Architettura. The current exhibition, Aridly Abundant, curated by Faysal Tabbarah, investigates what architectural possibilities can become possible when we reimagine arid landscapes as spaces of abundance.

Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi, the UAE Minister of Culture and Youth, said: “The International Architecture Exhibition at the Venice Biennale is one of the most awaited events on the international architectural calendar. It is an ideal platform to raise awareness about the importance of the UAE’s national heritage underlining its centrality in shaping our national identity. This participation is an opportunity to highlight the efforts of various local authorities who have contributed to the spread of the UAE’s heritage on a global level.

“Over the years, National Pavilion UAE has been showcasing innovative ideas, projects and research that have drawn international attention to the country’s valuable national heritage. In the hope that the UAE’s participations over the years have accomplished their goal, we renew our commitment to foster more innovative architectural practices that will enhance the country’s position as an incubator and accelerator for creative ideas. Our current participation is a testimony to the UAE’s unwavering efforts in the field of heritage preservation to become a leading player on the international artistic and cultural map.” H.E. added.

The exhibition is on show until 26 November 2023, and a virtual tour of the exhibition is available to view on the National Pavilion UAE website.

Applications close at midnight UAE time (GMT+4) on 24 September 2023. Selected finalists will be invited to present a full proposal for the second round of the process. Full details and submission guidelines are available on https://nationalpavilionuae.org/open-calls/.