Deadline: 02-Dec-2025
The Creative Australia is engaging with state and territory galleries and museums to identify front of house and/or public engagement staff suitable to undertake cultural mediation for the Australia Pavilion (the Pavilion) during the Biennale in 2026.
This program is designed for arts and creative professionals currently engaged in front of house and public engagement museum or gallery practice with a minimum of three years’ experience. It provides an immersive cultural and professional experience within one of the world’s most prestigious visual arts events.
Successful applicants will demonstrate adaptability, initiative, and a strong interest in audience engagement, as the Venice Biennale presents unique challenges for exhibition mediation and day-to-day management.
Participants of the program will advance their skills in cultural mediation and arts administration, be exposed to different approaches to contemporary visual arts engagement and presentation, and build professional networks that aim to foster future collaborations and exchanges.
Participants will undertake cultural mediation training to prepare for their rostered placements in Venice. Creative Australia will manage and support participants of the program throughout the Biennale term.
Two types of placements are offered: Attendant Manager and Pavilion Attendant. Attendant Managers will lead the cultural mediator team, oversee daily operations, and act as key representatives of the Australian Pavilion and artist Khaled Sabsabi’s exhibition.
They will work up to five days a week for approximately 10 to 11 weeks, receiving $1,425 AUD per week, accommodation, and an additional micro-grant of $2,000 AUD for professional development.
Pavilion Attendants will assist with exhibition mediation, public engagement, and pavilion maintenance over six to seven weeks, receiving $1,045 AUD per week and a $1,200 AUD micro-grant. Creative Australia will arrange and cover accommodation, travel to Venice, relevant training, and travel insurance reimbursement for both roles.
Attendant Managers will report directly to the Program Manager, Venice Biennale, and oversee Pavilion Attendants, ensuring high standards of exhibition presentation and visitor engagement. Pavilion Attendants will report to the Attendant Manager and support the smooth operation of the Pavilion, facilitating audience engagement and exhibition invigilation.
Eligibility criteria include being an individual over 18 years of age, an Australian citizen or permanent resident, and working in the arts and culture sector in public engagement or front of house roles.
Applicants with overdue reports or outstanding debts to Creative Australia, or who have previously participated in the program, are ineligible. Applications must include all required materials, such as a letter of support from a current or recent employer.
Expressions of Interest will be assessed by Creative Australia staff and industry advisors based on two main criteria—viability and impact. Viability focuses on the calibre, track record, and relevance of the applicant’s experience, while impact considers the expected benefits for career development, professional growth, and the potential to foster new networks or markets. Final selections will also take into account diversity across art forms, geography, representation, and experience levels.
Applicants must submit a short introductory video, written responses to specified questions, a one-page CV with referee contacts, and a letter of employer endorsement. Fluency in another language, tertiary qualifications in the visual arts, and first aid certification are considered advantageous.
The deadline for applications is 2 December 2025.
For more information, visit Creative Australia.
