Scotland has temporarily suspended its participation in the esteemed Venice Biennale, the world’s oldest and most prestigious art exhibition, which has been held since 1895 and alternates between art and architecture themes.
This year’s architecture showcase will proceed with Scotland’s involvement as scheduled. However, the search for Scotland-based artists for the 2024 event has been put on hold as a review occurs.
The Scotland and Venice program, a collaborative effort involving Creative Scotland, the British Council, National Galleries of Scotland, Architecture & Design Scotland, V&A Dundee, and the Scottish government, will be reassessed due to “the present financial and planning environment.” The partnership aims to consider the project’s position in the broader context of global opportunities for Scotland’s art and architecture communities.
The spokesperson acknowledged the difficult decision, citing the project’s significant achievements over the past two decades, its environmental impact, and the necessity to explore more ethical and sustainable methods for future involvement.
Scotland has been participating in the Venice Biennale since 2003. Initially, the British pavilion needed to accommodate many Scottish and Scotland-based artists in the contemporary art scene. Although Scotland lacks its pavilion, it has presented numerous “collateral” shows on the main sites’ peripheries.
Recent Scottish participants include Turner Prize-winning artist Charlotte Prodger and Barbadian-Scottish artist Alberta Whittle, whose works were recently acquired by the National Galleries of Scotland.
The Scotland and Venice partnership emphasizes that it will not withdraw from the Venice Biennale but will seek a new model for presenting work there. Over the coming months, the partnership plans to consult with the sector and initiate a review process.
Scotland will temporarily suspend its involvement in the Venice Biennale art exhibition while reassessing its participation model. Although the country will continue to be part of this year’s architecture showcase, the search for artists to participate in the 2024 event has been put on hold. The Scotland and Venice partnership intends to consult with the sector and commence a review process in the coming months to explore more ethical and sustainable methods for future involvement.
