Two NT based arts workers have been selected to participate in the Venice Biennale 2017 Professional Development Program, a program that provides a platform for curators, arts writers and arts professionals to develop skills and deepen vocational experience.

The Professional Development program provides an extraordinary opportunity for arts workers to attend the international event and support the exhibition at the Australia Pavilion, which is an essential part of Australia’s involvement at the Venice Biennale.

Department of Tourism and Culture CEO Alastair Shields said this is an exciting opportunity for Territory based arts professionals to work closely with national and international peers and be inspired by the experience to invigorate our arts and cultural sector.

“While working on site at the Australia Pavilion in Venice, the successful applicants will have access to specialist advice and information, and opportunities to gain new knowledge of international exhibition standards and innovations.

“Arts and culture play an important role in the history, identity and contemporary culture of the Northern Territory and we are committed to growing our rich arts and cultural reputation by supporting local arts workers to participate in programs such as this.” Mr Shields said.

The selected participants from the Northern Territory are:

- Indigenous Emerging Curator – Ms Shilo McNamee, Gallery Manager for local arts run initiative Darwin Visual Arts Association (DVAA).
Shilo will travel to Venice with the Australian contingent and participate in the activities coordinated around the Vernissage, for a period of 10 days from 6-16 May 2017. This opportunity includes networking with overseas peers, artists and organisations with a view to creating international networks and promoting contemporary Australian art.

- NT Exhibition Team Leader – Ms Sarah Pirrie, Senior Lecturer Visual Arts at Charles Darwin University, Darwin.
Sarah will take on a leadership role, managing a team of volunteer Exhibition Attendants, the daily operations of Tracey Moffatt’s exhibition and the Australian Pavilion during the Venice Biennale 2017.This opportunity will further develop skills in gallery management, education and administration. This role will be for a period of five weeks during the exhibition which runs from May to November 2017.

As part of the program, the successful applicants will be provided training by the Australia Council team, international airfares, accommodation in Venice and a living allowance.

Exhibiting artist at the Venice Biennale 2017 Australian Pavilion, Tracey Moffat is Australia’s first solo Indigenous artist to exhibit at the Venice Biennale and has achieved national and international success with solo exhibitions in Europe, the United States and Australia. 

The Venice Biennale 2017 Professional Development Program is delivered in partnership with the Australia Council for the Arts and the Northern Territory Government through Arts NT. Arts workers from around Australia will attend.

Arts NT will contribute $20 000 to the Australia Council to support the NT participants’ travel, accommodation and insurance costs.

Media Contact - Department of Tourism and Culture – 0428 052 647