Art Periodic
07.11 - 24.11.2025

MEDIA RELEASE – Art Periodic South Africa (A°P), in partnership with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC), confirms that South Africa will participate in the 61st Venice Art Biennale, taking place from May to November 2026 in Venice, Italy.

The Venice Biennale, the world’s most influential platform for contemporary art, presents South Africa with a vital opportunity to assert its creative leadership and cultural voice on the global stage. Following DSAC’s confirmation that no public tender would be issued for this edition, A°P submitted an unsolicited expression of interest to fundraise, administer, and produce the Pavilion.

After due consideration, this proposal was formally accepted by the Department, which will continue to support the Pavilion through the rental of South Africa’s space in the Arsenale. The Ambassador of South Africa to Italy has been formally appointed Commissioner of the Pavilion. This represents a pivotal shift in how South Africa is represented in Venice, from a government-led process to one of sector-driven stewardship, rooted in collaboration, inclusivity, and public accountability.

With just two weeks to secure exhibition proposals and mobilise support across the creative sector, A°P calls on curators, galleries, funders, and cultural organisations to contribute to shaping the Pavilion. A°P must raise the full production budget and deliver this historic project through collective effort and partnership.

The Pavilion will be realised through a partnership between A°P and DSAC, with Latitudes Online appointed by A°P as Media and Strategic Partner to lead public engagement, storytelling, and international visibility across all platforms.

OPEN CALL: Exhibition Proposals and Funding Partnerships

1. Call for Exhibition Proposals

Art Periodic South Africa (A°P) invites South African curators, curatorial teams, collectives, galleries, NPOs, and arts organisations to submit exhibition proposals for South Africa’s official participation in the 61st International Art Exhibition, La Biennale di Venezia (2026). Given the condensed schedule, this Open Call is being fast-tracked to secure South Africa’s full and effective participation. The deadline for submissions is 24 November 2025.

Curators are invited to respond to Koyo Kouoh’s exhibition framework In Minor Keys, not to illustrate it, but to extend it. Rather than prescribing a single theme, A°P encourages curatorial concepts that capture the vitality, nuance, and complexity of South African art today, offering multiple interpretations of what cultural ownership might mean in a global context.

Required Materials
● Curatorial statement (max 1 000 words) engaging with In Minor Keys and situating the
proposed exhibition within a broader conceptual framework.
● Details and short bios of curator(s) and proposed artist(s).
● Supporting imagery (concept sketches, installation references, or sample artworks).

● Preliminary budget estimates where possible including artist and curator fees,
production and shipping estimates, and a provisional timeline. Applicants are encouraged
to indicate any confirmed or potential support, financial, logistical, or in-kind, as this will
strengthen the proposal and demonstrate feasibility.
● Organisational profile (if applicable) outlining curatorial or production capacity, relevant
experience, and institutional support.
● Contact details for curator(s) and/or organisational representatives.
Proposals must be submitted via the official online form available at www.artperiodic.co.za.
(Links to the Pavilion floorplan, technical guidelines, and past exhibitions will be available on the
A°P website.)

2. Eligibility
This call is open to:
● Independent South African curators or curatorial teams; and
● Registered South African organisations, including galleries, collectives, and non-profits with a demonstrated record of artist support.

Applicants should have experience delivering exhibitions or cultural projects of national or international significance. Projects must reflect diversity, inclusivity, and professional integrity, and uphold international standards of curatorial and exhibition practice.

Breaking Down Barriers:
Art Periodic South Africa (A°P) is committed to creating an open and accessible platform for curators across the country. Independent curators and emerging voices are strongly encouraged to apply, even without institutional affiliation or confirmed production support.

Should such a proposal be selected, A°P will work closely with the curator to assemble the necessary partnerships, production capacity, and fundraising mechanisms required to realise the project. The aim is to remove traditional barriers to entry and ensure that strong curatorial ideas, regardless of institutional backing, have the opportunity to be seen and supported at the highest level.

3. Project Realisation and Feasibility
The selected curatorial proposal will move into a collaborative development phase with Art Periodic South Africa (A°P) following selection. While the curatorial vision will be honoured as the foundation of the Pavilion, its realisation will depend on the final confirmed budget and available resources.

Applicants are therefore advised that the scope of the exhibition may need to be adapted in consultation with A°P to ensure feasibility, compliance with Biennale regulations, and alignment with production and logistical capacities. This process will be approached collaboratively, with the shared aim of realising the strongest possible presentation within the means available.

4. Selection Process
Given the compressed timelines, and in order to maximise the preparation period for applicants, Art Periodic South Africa (A°P) will establish an Advisory Committee concurrently with the open call. The Committee will be announced before the submission deadline.

All submissions will first undergo an internal review by A°P to confirm eligibility, feasibility, and alignment with the Biennale’s curatorial and logistical requirements. From this review, a shortlist of up to ten proposals will be compiled, assessed on curatorial strength, artistic merit, and project viability.

The shortlisted proposals will then be presented to the Advisory Committee. Comprising respected leaders from the arts and civic sectors, the Committee will conduct a transparent and deliberative evaluation process to rank the proposals. The Committee’s recommendations will inform the final selection of the exhibition to represent South Africa at the Venice Biennale Arte 2026, ensuring a fair, credible, and sector-led outcome.

5. Timeline
● 7 November 2025 — Launch of the Open Call for curatorial proposals.
● 24 November 2025 (23:59 SAST) — Deadline for submissions.
● 26 November – 6 December 2025 — Review and selection process conducted by (A°P)
and the Advisory Committee.
● 8 December 2025 — A°P to engage directly with shortlisted curators to assess feasibility
and implementation plans before final confirmation.
● 6 January 2026 — Public announcement of the selected exhibition to represent South
Africa at the Venice Biennale Arte 2026.
● 6–8 May 2026 — Preview days at the Venice Biennale Arte.
● 9 May 2026 — Public opening of the South African Pavilion.

6. Submission Format
Proposals must be submitted via the official online form available at www.artperiodic.co.za.
Required uploads (PDF or link):
● Curatorial statement (max 1 000 words)
● Artist and curator bios (max 300 words each)
● Visual or conceptual references (max 10 pages)
● Preliminary budget and implementation plan
● Optional organisational profile (max 500 words)

7. Call for Funders and Partners
In parallel with the curatorial Open Call, Art Periodic South Africa (A°P) invites collectors, foundations, corporations, and cultural philanthropists to support and participate in the realisation of the South African Pavilion at the 61st Venice Biennale (2026).

The Pavilion is one of the most visible opportunities for South Africa to demonstrate its creative leadership and cultural agency on the world stage. Its success depends on collaboration between government, the private sector, and the arts community.

Supporters and partners will contribute to:
● The production, shipping, and installation of the Pavilion in Venice
● Supporting artists and curators to present South African perspectives within a global context
● Building a sustainable model for South Africa’s continued participation in future Biennale editions (2028, 2030, 2032)
● Advancing South Africa’s international cultural diplomacy through storytelling, visibility,
and engagement

All contributions will be managed transparently through A°P’s non-profit structure, in alignment with DSAC guidelines.

Please contact info@artperiodic.co.za to express your interest in getting involved.

8. 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. The organisation ensures that South African artists and curators are represented on global platforms of excellence, fostering exchange, collaboration, and visibility for the country’s contemporary art sector.

Founding Members:
Ann Roberts – Co-Founder and Managing Director
Pule Taukobong – Co-Founder and Financial Director
Liesl Potgieter – Co-Founder and Production Director

9. About Latitudes Online
Latitudes Online is Africa’s largest curated online platform for art from the continent and diaspora. Through its digital marketplace, exhibitions, editorial platform, and physical fair (RMB Latitudes Art Fair), Latitudes connects artists, galleries, and collectors across Africa and the world.

As Strategic and Media Partner for the South African Pavilion 2026, Latitudes will support the Pavilion’s fundraising efforts and lead its storytelling, media visibility, and audience engagement strategy, ensuring that South Africa’s participation is communicated with integrity, inclusivity, and global resonance.

Exhibition and Partnership Enquiries:
info@artperiodic.co.za
www.artperiodic.co.za

Media Enquiries:
info@latitudes.online
latitudes.online

Issued by: Art Periodic South Africa (A°P)
Date: 07 November 2025