Pavilion Management and Exhibition Production: British Pavilion at the Venice Biennale

Overview

The British Council is tendering for a supplier to provide overall management, maintenance and exhibition production of the British Pavilion. The duration of the contract is two years with the option to extend for a further two years. The contract will begin with an induction period from November 2026 to January 2027, to provide effective briefing on the role and the building and to ensure the handover of responsibilities from the existing supplier. The British Council has been responsible for the British Pavilion at the Venice Biennale since 1937 and is renowned for commissioning the highest calibre UK artists and architects to present exhibitions and installations at the Pavilion. Acting as the main point of contact in Venice for the British Council, the Service Provider will be responsible for planning, overseeing and managing all works at the pavilion including property management and operations, exhibition production and installation, building maintenance and stewarding management and Fellowship support during the Venice Biennale. The Service Provider will ensure that relationships in Venice are managed effectively, contracts with Service Providers are in place and payments are processed efficiently. The service will cover general building management and maintenance, stewarding management and invigilation, as well as exhibition production and installation for the International Art and Architecture exhibitions held each year at the British Pavilion for la Biennale di Venezia. The British Council requires a Service Provider with expertise in exhibition production, exhibition design, fabrication and installation, with the ability to respond to a brief with creativity, and work with the British Council and appointed Artist / Curator to deliver high-quality solutions and value for money the available resources. The Service Provider will ensure that we are meeting all EU regulations with regards to building management and health and safety and will build excellent working relationships with the Biennale di Venezia, as well as the British Council extended Venice project team to deliver outstanding exhibitions at the British Pavilion for la Biennale di Venezia.