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The Office for Contemporary Art Aotearoa (OCAA) is pleased to present Learning from Venice, a new professional development opportunity for seven early-career Aotearoa New Zealand artists, curators and writers, to take part in an intensive five-day research workshop at the Venice Biennale, between the 25th and 29th May 2026.
Timed to coincide with the 61st Biennale of Venice, Learning from Venice will take full advantage of the panoply of exhibitions staged across Venice, including the curated exhibition, In Minor Keys, the vast array of national pavilions, including the NZ presentation of the solo exhibition, Taharaki Skyside by Dr Fiona Pardington (Kāi Tahu, KātiMamoe, Ngāti Kahungunu, Clan Cameron of Erracht) and the special collateral projects. This immersion in contemporary art will be consciously set within the context of the extraordinary historic city of Venice itself.
Led by respected curator, writer, editor and educator, Christina Barton, and Curator Contemporary Art at Te Papa, Hanahiva Rose, the workshop will consist of readings, conversations, visits, and talks, and there will be opportunities to meet artists, curators and individuals involved in the Biennale’s realisation. Participants will collaborate to produce a publication reflecting on their findings, which will be published and distributed after the workshop concludes.
This initiative will enable a cohort of committed individuals to gain a sharper understanding of how the art world works in the context of one of its highest-profile occasions. Participants will gain a stronger grasp of the key issues at stake in current practice, testing their reactions and impressions with peers, and learning together to catalyse future thinking about Aotearoa’s place in and contribution to the global art world.
Call for Expressions of Interest
Early-career artists, curators and writers are invited to submit expressions of interest to attend the five-day workshop in Venice timed to coincide with the 61st Venice Biennale.
In addition to attending the workshop in Venice (25th – 29th May 2026), applicants must also be available to attend a half-day online hui in April, make time available prior to the workshop for pre-reading, commit to working collectively to deliver a publication canvassing responses to the occasion that will be launched in August, and be available for at least one of three public discussions in Aotearoa, staged to coincide with the publication’s completion.
Through the generous support of Creative New Zealand and private supporters the seven selected participants will be fully funded to attend the workshop, with flights, accommodation, Biennale and vaporetto tickets and a per diem provided.
Applications will be accepted from early-career artists, curators and writers based in or from Aotearoa New Zealand who can demonstrate their commitment to pursuing a career in the visual arts.
Applications are due 5pm 2 February 2026.
How to apply
Please provide the following (as PDF attachments to your email):
· Your current CV
· A statement explaining why you wish to attend the workshop (200 words)
· Two letters of support from appropriate referees
· A writing sample (published or unpublished) or a portfolio of images of current work (maximum 2000 words or 5MB)
Applications must be sent to stephanie@ocaa.nz by 5pm (NZT) Monday 2 February 2026. Late applications will be returned.
Applications will be assessed by a panel including the programme co-leaders (Christina Barton and Hanahiva Rose), a representative from Creative New Zealand, and artist Judy Millar. You will be notified of the panel’s decision on or around 20 February 2026.
Criteria for assessment
· Applicants are at a relevant stage in their career.
· Applicants understand and can articulate the value of the workshop for strengthening their sense of Aotearoa’s place and their own practice within an international art context.
· Applicants have demonstrated experience or relevant personal qualities to travel independently and to work collaboratively to achieve collectively articulated goals.
In addition to the calibre and contents of each application, the panel will also take into account:
· The mix of the group and the relevant qualities each applicant brings to the occasion.
· The likelihood that applicants would not be able to attend the Biennale without financial assistance.
· While New Zealanders living outside Aotearoa are able to apply, their commitment to contributing to the visual arts in Aotearoa should be demonstrated.
· While every effort will be made to accommodate applicants with disabilities, it must be noted that the programme of activities will entail walking, climbing stairs and standing for long periods and accessibility to all locations cannot be guaranteed.
In-person/online interviews are not scheduled as part of the selection process, however, the panel may seek to speak to an applicant in person. This decision will be at the panel’s discretion. The panel’s decisions will be final.