Overview
Fellows are exhibition ambassadors that invigilate the galleries, engage visiting members of the public and create moments of intercultural dialogue and connection. During the month in Venice, they also have the opportunity to develop their own research and creative projects, using the Biennale as a platform for artistic, scholarly and professional development. Through these contributions, often created in collaboration with one another, the Fellows elevate the British Pavilion to an important reference point for universities, artists and creative organisations around the world.
In partnership with 34 UK Higher Education institutions and creative enterprises, at the British Council we are supporting 63 Fellows in 2026.
Applying for the 2026 Programme
The Open Calls for applicants are now live. Candidates need to be enrolled in or connected with a 2026 Programme Partner as initial applications are made directly to the Partner. Each Partner sets their own timeline and deadline for the Open Call.
Candidates are requested to contact the Programme Partner directly if interested in applying for the Programme.
We are delighted to welcome the following organisations as Programme Partners for 2026:
- Anglia Ruskin University
- Arts University Bournemouth
- Arts University Plymouth
- Axis
- Birmingham City University
- British Art Network
- Durham University
- Ealing Culture (Ealing Council)
- HomeGrown Plus
- King's College London
- Liverpool John Moores University
- London Metropolitan University
- Lowry
- Manchester Metropolitan University
- Newcastle University
- Northumbria University
- NXT GEN
- Outer Spaces
- Outside In
- SOAS
- The Artists' Collecting Society (ACS)
- The Collective Makers
- The Glasgow School of Art
- UAL Decolonising Arts Institute
- Ulster University
- University College London
- University for the Creative Arts
- University of Exeter
- University of Leicester
- University of Southampton
- University of St Andrews
- University of the Arts London, London College of Communication
- University of the West of England, Bristol
- University of Warwick
- Unlimited
- York St John University
