Since 1954, over 40 distinguished contemporary visual artists have exhibited under the Australia banner – a career defining opportunity for artists and curators, offering high profile international exposure to new audiences and new markets. 

Creative Australia is the Commissioner of the Australia Pavilion at the Venice Biennale, one of only 29 national pavilions in the Venice Giardini. Creative Australia also owns the Australia Pavilion and produces the exhibition and suite of professional development programs that make up the Australia at the Venice Biennale project. 

In 2024, Australia celebrated its 25th participation at the Venice Biennale and the prestigious Golden Lion was bestowed to Archie Moore for the Best National Pavilion for his project kith and kin, curated by Ellie Buttrose. Sustaining these opportunities raises the profile of Australian art and culture internationally and ensures we remain a vibrant voice in the global art world for future generations.  

Creative Australia is extremely proud of the success of kith and kin at the 2024 Venice Biennale and recognises that the accolade of the Golden Lion stands as a testament to a long-standing community of individuals and families who have supported Australia’s presentation at the Venice Biennale over time. 

Our supporters 

Australia’s participation at the Venice Biennale has been philanthropically supported since the early 1980s. This co-investment model has included generous support from individuals, families and organisations to bring the ambitions and talents of many artistic teams to Venice.  

Partnerships and co-investment have been intrinsic to the success of Australia at Venice over the past few decades. In 1988 the site where the Australia Pavilion now stands was secured by the Belgiorno-Nettis family together with the then Australia Council for the Arts. A bold new Pavilion was built on the site in 2015, thanks to the visionary leadership of Simon Mordant AO and Catriona Mordant AM, together with the Australia Council for the Arts, and is the only 21st century pavilion in the Giardini. 

Through sponsorships and donations, individuals, families and organisations join a like-minded community of advocates and agents championing the bold and ambitious intentions of Australian contemporary visual arts. Co-investment for Australia’s representation at the Venice Biennale is led by members of the Australia Council Board, which governs Creative Australia, joined and supported by national Venice Biennale Ambassadors from all states and territories.  

We thank the Ambassadors for their brilliant sharing of knowledge and generous support of each biennial exhibition. 

Become a supporter 

There are many ways to support Australia at the Venice Biennale. Whilst our approach is both personalised and bespoke, in response to the giving agenda of your philanthropic purpose or community strategy, the following giving levels are on offer: 

• Major Donor (from $200,000) 
• Major Partner (from $100,000) 
• Education Partner (from $75,000) 
• Venice Visionary (from $50,000) 
• Venice Patron ($25,000) 
• Venice Companion ($10,000) 
• Venice Supporters (from $5,000) 
• Donation (all contributions welcome) 

Tax deductions apply to donations, less non-deductible benefits received if participating in a supporters’ tour. 

Venice Biennale supporters’ tours  

Our ‘behind-the-scenes’ supporters’ tours provide unrivalled access to the Venice Biennale and the Australia Pavilion, led by Australian practitioners and local experts. 

Reservations are now open for the following tours: 

• Architecture 2025 – September, exact dates TBC

Curated tours of the Venice Biennale are developed by Creative Australia and delivered with the assistance of our trusted travel partner, Limelight Tours.