Biennale backstage: from concept to exhibition. Master the Biennale: A Curator's Guide to a Successful Venice Pavilion or Exhibition

Biennale backstage: from concept to exhibition. Master the Biennale: A Curator's Guide to a Successful Venice Pavilion or Exhibition

An 8-session online intensive demystifying the permissions, promotion, and logistics of launching a standout event at the world's most prestigious art exhibition.

26.01 – 18.02.2026

Deadline: 16 January 2026

The Venice Biennale is the Olympics of the art world. For seven months, the city becomes the global stage for contemporary art, attracting hundreds of thousands of influencers, collectors, and critics. But behind the glamour lies a complex web of challenges: fierce competition, Byzantine logistics, and a maze of permissions. How do you ensure your project doesn't get lost in the crowd?

This intensive online course is your strategic blueprint. We strip away the myth and provide the practical, hard-won knowledge you need to navigate the Biennale ecosystem confidently—from securing the perfect location to executing a promotion plan that gets you noticed.

Your Roadmap to Biennale Success

This program is designed as a step-by-step guide, taking you from the initial idea to the opening night and beyond.

Module 1: The Foundation (Sessions 1-2)

• Session 1: The Biennale Landscape (Jan 26, 2026)
  • Beyond the Myth: Understanding the real power dynamics and opportunities of the Biennale.
  • Why Be There? Defining your goals and measuring success beyond just attendance.
  • The Participant's Checklist: The non-negotiable first steps every team must take.
• Session 2: The Hunt for the Perfect Venue (Jan 28, 2026)
  • Location, Location, Location: Decoding the city's neighbourhoods (sestieri) and their audiences.
  • The Price of Prestige: A realistic look at venue budgets, hidden costs, and negotiation tactics.
  • "Official" vs. "Collateral": The strategic pros and cons of being inside the Arsenale/Giardini versus a city palazzo.

Module 2: Permissions & Production (Sessions 3-4)

• Session 3: Navigating "Official" Spaces (Feb 2, 2026)
  • Playing by the Rules: A deep dive into the Biennale's specific regulations, contracts, and required permissions.
  • Vetting Your Team: How to find and work with the Biennale's trusted suppliers for installation, security, and AV.
• Session 4: Mastering City Permissions & Logistics (Feb 4, 2026)
  • The City Council Maze: Demystifying the permits for public spaces, signage, and events (SUAP).
  • Local Partnerships: Working with Venetian architects, engineers, and production companies.
  • Insurance and Liability: Protecting your art and your organisation.

Module 3: Promotion & Presence (Sessions 5-6)

• Session 5: Cutting Through the Noise (Feb 9, 2026)
  • The 500-Show Problem: Timelines and strategies to make your promotion stand out.
  • Building Pre-Biennale Buzz: Targeting international press, influencers, and donor circles.
  • The Digital Tool Kit: Effective use of social media, preview platforms, and dedicated websites.
• Session 6: The Power of the Collateral Event (Feb 11, 2026)
  • Beyond the Vernissage: Designing a program of talks, dinners, and workshops that sustains interest.
  • Strategic Hosting: Using events to build relationships with press, collectors, and institutions.
  • Case Studies: What makes a collateral event successful versus one that falls flat.

Module 4: The Final Hurdles (Sessions 7-8)

• Session 7: Venetian Logistics Unpacked (Feb 16, 2026)
  • The Aquatic Challenge: A complete guide to transporting art, people, and materials by boat.
  • The Accommodation Crunch: Securing hotels and apartments for your team and guests (and when to book).
  • Surviving the Preview: Practical tips on taxis, restaurants, and managing the chaos.
• Session 8: Pitfalls & Scenarios to Avoid (Feb 18, 2026)
  • Learning from Others' Mistakes: A frank discussion of common financial, diplomatic, and logistical failures.
  • Crisis Management: Preparing for the unexpected, from shipping delays to PR issues.
  • Your Biennale Survival Guide: Final Q&A and key takeaways.

Practical Details & How to Apply

• Format: Live Online Intensive
• Schedule: Mondays & Wednesdays, 26 Jan – 18 Feb 2026 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM CET
• Course Fee: €590
• Expert Tutor: Learn from an experienced curator with direct Biennale experience. ( Aurora Fonda curated twice the Slovenian pavilion, Elena Bongiorno project manager for several pavilions in different editions of the Biennale).
• What You Get:
  • 16 hours of live, interactive seminars.
  • Access to session recordings for flexible viewing.
  • Real-world case studies and practical templates.
  • Direct Q&A access to an expert tutor.
  • A supportive network of peer professionals.

Ready to Make Your Mark at the Biennale?

Spaces are strictly limited to ensure a personalised experience.

Application Deadline: 16 January 2026

To apply, please email your CV and a brief statement of interest to curatorialschool@gmail.com.

APPLICATION FORM