The national presentations at the British Pavilion are renowned for influencing the future of contemporary culture at a global level. The art and architecture exhibitions in Venice reflect the best of UK creative talent; to complement this, the Fellowships Programme provides a platform for emerging creative individuals to develop key skills, build networks and engage directly with the exhibition.
Here at the British Council, we work closely with the Venice Programme Partners to embrace, trust and facilitate the experience of these talented individuals.
The Programme Partners are UK-based higher education institutions and creative organisations. They are responsible for running an open call to their networks, shortlisting internal candidates, funding the selected candidates, supporting their Fellows throughout their residency month in Venice and looking for additional opportunities to showcase the creative projects.
‘Liverpool School of Architecture have been pleased to continue to partner and support the British Council in its Venice Fellowship programme. The Fellowship provides a fantastic opportunity to be immersed in and around critical conversation, environment and artistic endeavour of the highest quality as part of the international platform of the Venice Biennale. The impact of the residency experience has stayed with our LSA Fellows long beyond their time in Venice - opening doors, widening perspectives, developing skills and beginning friendships. It has been a total pleasure to be involved.’
Sandy Britton RIBA, Liverpool School of Architecture, University of Liverpool
'We are thrilled to have been able to partner with the British Council on their Fellowships Programme! Opportunities like these are incredibly valuable to us as an organisation, the sector and of course the artists/fellows themselves. To spend time in a completely different context helps our alumni artists to grow and reflect in their practice and research. Without opportunities and support like this it is unlikely that many young artists would be able to access and experience the Venice Biennale and the international art sector and networks that it brings. These moments in artists careers are integral to them sustaining and opening networks and thinking, reflecting in their work whilst being part of a wider-international context.'
Polly Brannan, Open School East Artistic Director
The Open Call for 2026 Programme Partners is live
We welcome applications from organisations to join our 2026 Venice Fellowships Programme as Programme Partners.
The Programme Partners we're looking for need to be either a UK-based (England, Wales, Scotland, NI) and registered Higher Education Institution, or a UK-based Creative (Arts, Craft, Design, Architecture) Organisation, Cultural/Creative Hub, Social Enterprise, Charity or CIC.
Please see the Open Call document below for further details and contact Sophie Lucas, Venice Partnerships and Programme Manager at venicefellowships@britishcouncil.org to be added to the mailing list.
Applications for Programme Partners will close on Friday 5 September 2025, 23.59 (BST).
Early applications are encouraged as we anticipate a high interest in this call and may have to close the list before this point.
Programme Partner Open Call
Programme Partner Guidance Notes
Please note, we are not able to accept applications for Fellow places directly from individuals. All Fellow applications must be made via a selected 2026 Programme Partner. Following the Programme Partner Open Call, the 2026 Programme Partner list will be announced in September 2025.
