The Venice Biennale’s International Architecture Exhibition is arguably the most important event on the International contemporary architecture calendar. Thousands of the world’s most influential architects, designers, urban planners, developers and critics visit the Biennale, with considerable discussion and commentary in the architectural press and general media as a direct result.

The 2006 Venice Biennale’s International Architecture Exhibition is a collaboration and exhibition of the worlds leading architecture. Australia’s presence at this event is imperative in growing Australia’s international reputation and providing export opportunities for Australian architects and developers. Australia’s recent architectural and design achievements are worth celebrating as magnificent contributions to our internal stature and national pride. This, along with the fact that Australia is now recognised as one of the world’s top eight countries for progressive architecture, provides a solid foundation for showcasing significant works on the International circuit.

The Venice Architecture Biennale will take place over three months, from September 10 to November 19 2006, with participation of leading international urban infrastructure experts, transport planners, policymakers and designers. The 2006 Venice Biennale’s International Architecture Exhibition will involve 74 countries; will be attended by over 100,000 people and over 3,000 accredited press will cover the event.

Australia is set to launch a major presence at the Venice Architecture Biennale, with the Royal Australian Institute of Architects (RAIA) committing significant funding and establishing a committee to coordinate and manage Australia’s presence at the next three Biennales. The ongoing success of the project relies on securing additional funding, which is being actively sought from the government, corporate and professional sectors, as well as support from the architecture community. It is imperative that the architecture community contribute to this significant event, as its success will impact on Australian architecture for years to come. Click here for ways that you can support the Australian Exhibition.

Through a tender process, the RAIA has selected two creative directors for the Australian Pavilion at the Biennale. This is only the third time in 20 years that Australia will be represented, and the first time since 2000. Shane Murray and Nigel Bertram have been appointed as Australia’s Venice Architecture Biennale Creative Directors.

The Creative Directors’ appointment follows the recent announcement of former lord mayor and businesswoman Lucy Turnbull as Australia’s Venice Architecture Biennale Commissioner. Ms Turnbull said Australia’s push to be represented in Venice this year marks the beginning of a long term six-year project, aimed at ensuring Australia is represented at every biennale starting from 2006, with plans to grow and develop the nation’s presence at each subsequent exhibition.

For any further information on Australia’s presence at the Venice Architecture Biennale, please email venice.biennale@raia.com.au