Venice Fellowships Programme - Open Call for Fellows 2026

About the Open Call

The Venice Fellowships Programme is a key part of the British Council’s presence in Venice, supporting the exhibition as well as being a platform for the development of emerging creative professionals and future leaders. The Programme offers a unique opportunity for an Axis member to spend a month in Venice during the biennale, alongside a cohort of their peers, broadening their perspective, making new connections, networking and developing their creative practice. As Exhibition Ambassadors at the British Pavilion, the Fellows invigilate and activate the exhibition. They engage visiting members of the public and expand the impact of the show. Alongside this practical residency, Fellows have the opportunity to develop their own research or practical creative projects and use the Biennale as a platform for artistic and professional development. For 2026, British Council has a total of sixty (60) Fellowships places available. These Fellows will be selected and divided into Travel Groups. One fellowship place is available for Axis members who have joined as an Axis member on or before 1 October 2024. Fellows spend half their time working at the British Pavilion, acting as Exhibition Ambassadors and interacting with visitors and supporting the exhibition. The other half of the time spent in Venice is dedicated to Fellows being able to develop or exhibit their own independent research or creative project, inspired by the Biennale and Venice. The British Council has been the commissioner of the British Pavilion at the Venice Biennale since 1937, presenting work by groundbreaking artists and pioneering architects. The 2026 British Pavilion Exhibition will feature a major solo exhibition of new work by world-renowned British artist, Lubaina Himid RA, CBE. The successful applicant will receive full training by the British Council prior to beginning their Fellowship, including 15 hours of compulsory online training and collaborative workshops. After the Fellowship, the member will be expected to engage with Axis events and activities.

What is Offered

Fellows receive a grant of £3,300 (three thousand and three hundred British pounds) to help support the cost of travel, accommodation and living costs.

Requirements

All paying Axis members are eligible to apply as long as they have joined as an Axis member on or before 1 October 2024. Applicants must read the British Council Guidance Notes and program requirements set out in their guide. If applicants cannot commit to these programme requirements, there is no need to apply.

How to Apply

Applicants must 1) read the British Council Guidance which contains a link to the microsoft word application form template and 2) upload their complete application form and CV to the Axis link provided, by the deadline.