Application Deadline: 24 November 2025
Location: Venice, Italy
Issued by: Art Periodic South Africa (A°P), in partnership with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC)
Deadline: 24 November 2025 (23:59 SAST)
About the Pavilion
Art Periodic South Africa (A°P), in partnership with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC), confirms South Africa’s participation in the 61st Venice Art Biennale, taking place from May to November 2026.
The Venice Biennale is the world’s most influential platform for contemporary art — and this year’s participation marks a new model of collaboration, transparency, and cultural leadership for the South African Pavilion.
This edition represents a pivotal shift: from a government-led process to a sector-driven partnership rooted in collaboration, inclusivity, and public accountability. A°P will fundraise, administer, and produce the Pavilion, while DSAC continues to support the project through the rental of South Africa’s Arsenale space.
Latitudes Online joins as Media and Strategic Partner, leading on public engagement, storytelling, and international visibility.
Open Call: Exhibition Proposals
Art Periodic South Africa (A°P) invites South African curators, curatorial teams, collectives, galleries, and arts organisations to submit proposals for the 61st International Art Exhibition, La Biennale di Venezia (2026).
Deadline: 24 November 2025 (23:59 SAST)
Submission: via official online form at www.artperiodic.co.za
Curators are invited to respond to Koyo Kouoh’s framework In Minor Keys — not to illustrate it, but to extend it — by exploring the vitality, nuance, and complexity of South African art today.
Required Materials:
- Curatorial statement (max 1,000 words)
- Artist and curator bios
- Supporting imagery (concept sketches, references, artworks)
- Preliminary budget and timeline
- Organisational profile (if applicable)
Fee: Not specified. Applicants are encouraged to include proposed curator and artist fees within their preliminary budget submission. Final remuneration will depend on confirmed fundraising and production resources.
Eligibility
Open to:
- Independent South African curators or curatorial teams
- Registered South African organisations, galleries, collectives, and non-profits
Projects should reflect diversity, inclusivity, and professional integrity, aligning with international standards of curatorial practice. Emerging curators and independent voices are strongly encouraged to apply.
Selected curators will work closely with A°P to assemble partnerships and production capacity where needed.
Selection Process and Timeline
All proposals will be reviewed by A°P for eligibility and feasibility, before being shortlisted and presented to an Advisory Committee of arts and civic leaders.
Timeline:
- 7 Nov 2025: Launch of Open Call
- 24 Nov 2025: Submission deadline
- 26 Nov – 6 Dec 2025: Review and selection
- 8 Dec 2025: Shortlist engagement
- 6 Jan 2026: Public announcement
- 6–8 May 2026: Venice Biennale preview days
- 9 May 2026: Public opening
About Art Periodic South Africa
Art Periodic South Africa (A°P) is a non-profit company established to administer, produce, and fundraise for South Africa’s participation in international cultural exhibitions and events, ensuring representation and visibility for the country’s contemporary art sector.
Founding Members:
Ann Roberts – Managing Director
Pule Taukobong – Financial Director
Liesl Potgieter – Production Director
About Latitudes Online
Latitudes Online is Africa’s largest curated online platform for art from the continent and diaspora, connecting artists, galleries, and collectors through its digital marketplace, editorial content, and the RMB Latitudes Art Fair.
As Strategic and Media Partner for the South African Pavilion 2026, Latitudes will support fundraising, storytelling, and audience engagement to ensure integrity and global resonance.
Full details and official submission form: www.artperiodic.co.za
