Scotland + Venice is a partnership between Creative Scotland, the National Galleries of Scotland and the British Council.
Proud to promote new work at one of the world’s most prestigious visual art festivals, Scotland + Venice plays a vital role in helping to raise the profile of Scotland as one of the most vibrant countries for the production, promotion and presentation of contemporary art.
The Venice Biennale, established in 1895, is the oldest and arguably the most significant international platform within the increasingly global art world. Consequently Venice has been the site for presenting some of the most powerful art made throughout the 20th and into the 21st century.
Scotland + Venice brings new work from Scotland into this highly visible context with the primary aim; to promote Scotland as a centre of excellence for the Visual Arts. It is a partnership project managed by Creative Scotland, the National Galleries of Scotland and the British Council. The partnership is the main funder and commissioning body, appointing a different curatorial partner for each Biennale.
The first edition in 2003 was entitled Zenomap, a ground-breaking show featuring new work by Simon Starling, Clare Barclay and Jim Lambie. Curated by Francis McKee and Kay Pallister, the exhibition was complemented by an opening programme of events and screenings featuring the work of more than 25 other artists. Zenomap made a confident statement about the strength and diversity of art being made in Scotland and proved to be a highlight of the Biennale.
Since then Scotland + Venice has gone from strength to strength, working closely with key arts organisations and experienced curators to present some of the most influential artists working in Scotland today – Cathy Wilkes, Alex Pollard, Joanne Tatham and Tom O’Sullivan, Charles Avery, Rosalind Nashashibi, Lucy Skaer, Henry Coombes, Tony Swain, Louise Hopkins, Martin Boyce, Karla Black, Duncan Campbell, Corin Sworn, Hayley Tompkins, Graham Fagen and for 2017 a new commission with Rachel Maclean.
Scotland + Venice aims to complement the other UK presentations at the Biennale and works closely with the teams for the British Pavilion in the Giardini and with colleagues in Wales and Northern Ireland.
Our aim is always to make the strongest impact we can within this internationally significant context.
Latest News
Scotland + Venice Professional Development Programme Opportunity announced
11.01.2019
Scotland + Venice and Scottish Contemporary Art Network (SCAN) are looking for one Exhibition Assistant (for four weeks) and one Senior Exhibition Assistant (for ten weeks) to join the team taking part in the Scotland + Venice Professional Development Programme (PDP), for the Venice Biennale between May and November 2019.
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Congratulations Charlotte Prodger - 2018 Turner Prize winner!
04.12.2018
The Scotland + Venice partnership is delighted to extend huge congratulations to Charlotte Prodger, who has tonight won the 2018 Turner Prize, as well as to the other shortlisted artists Forensic Architecture, Naeem Mohaiemen and Luke Willis Thompson.
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Arsenale Docks revealed as venue for Charlotte Prodger’s exhibition during Venice Biennale 2019
27.11.2018
The Scotland + Venice partnership is delighted to reveal details of the venue for Charlotte Prodger’s solo presentation of new work during the 58th International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia, which runs from 11 May to 24 November 2019.
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