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Minister Humphreys announces Culture Ireland open call for 16th Venice Architecture Biennale 2018

The Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Heather Humphreys TD, has today (Tuesday) announced that Culture Ireland is seeking proposals to represent
Ireland at the 16th Venice Architecture Biennale in 2018. The Venice Architecture Biennale is the world’s leading architecture event, featuring more than 60 national exhibitions and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors.

Ireland at Venice is led by Culture Ireland in partnership with the Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaíon. 2018 will be a special year with Irish architects Yvonne Farrell and Shelley McNamara of Grafton Architects being honoured by the Board of La Biennale di Venezia with their appointment as the overall curators of the 16th International Architecture Exhibition.

Speaking today Minister Humphreys said:
“Ireland's participation in the Venice Architecture Biennale helps to boost the profile of Irish architects internationally and build on their strong global reputation. Irish architects have become renowned internationally for their excellence and innovation and the Venice Biennale is a very valuable opportunity to highlight that talent.

“2018 is of course a very special year for Ireland at Venice, as Yvonne Farrell and Shelley McNamara of Grafton Architects have been appointed as the overall curators for the 16th Architecture Biennale, which is an incredible achievement. Their appointment brings a new global focus on the extremely high quality of Irish architecture.

“Through the Creative Ireland programme, we are aiming to put culture and creativity at the centre of public policy. Architecture is rooted in creativity and innovation and I think Ireland has a very positive story to tell right now about our architects and the success Irish architecture is enjoying internationally.”


Note to Editors:

The curators have chosen “Freespace” as the theme for the Venice Architecture Biennale 2018, reflecting the generosity of spirit and a sense of humanity at the core of architecture's agenda, focusing on the quality of space itself.

For details on how to submit an expression of interest to represent Ireland at the 16th Venice Architecture Biennale, please visit the Culture Ireland website www.cultureireland.ie Closing date for receipt of entries is noon, Friday 18th August 2017.