Current Grants

Venice Biennale

The Venice Biennale is the oldest and most important visual arts event in the world. Every two years Venice becomes the world stage, showcasing the latest in contemporary art. It attracts 30,000 key international curators, critics, collectors and artists to the three-day Vernissage (preview) period alone. Australia’s participation at the Venice Biennale is managed by the Australia Council for the Arts, the Australian Government’s arts funding and advisory body.

Since 2007, the Balnaves Foundation has been the Major Partner of Australia's participation in the Venice Biennale. The Foundation recognises the importance of participating in The Venice Biennale as it provides Australian artists with critical international exposure to build their careers and connect them to new audiences and markets. The Venice Biennale also helps build the profile of Australian contemporary visual arts generally and facilitates the establishment of significant international cultural links.

Australia's official representation for the 54th Venice Biennale in 2011 will feature artist Hany Armanious at the Australian Pavilion in the Giardini. This exhibition will be curated by Anne Ellegood who is based in Los Angeles at the Hammer Museum. The exhibition dates for the 54th International Venice Biennale are 4th June to 27th November, 2011. With the Vernissage (preview) taking place from 1st - 3rd June, 2011.

For more information about Hany Armanious and Australia's representation at the Venice Biennale please visit www.labiennale.org or www.australiacouncil.gov.au