In 2024 Culture Radar was appointed to lead a review of the Scotland + Venice project in association with DrewWylie, on behalf of the Scotland + Venice Partners: Creative Scotland, British Council Scotland, National Galleries Scotland, V&A Dundee, Architecture & Design Scotland and the Scottish Government.

Background

This is the third review to be commissioned by the Scotland + Venice Partners since the project’s inception in 2003. The first was undertaken in 2007 while the project was still funded by the Scottish Arts Council. The second was completed in 2018, commissioned by Creative Scotland, before the impact of Brexit on the UK’s culture and creative industries could be fully understood, and before architecture was fully integrated into the Scotland + Venice partnership and project model.

Purpose

The aim of this review in 2024 was to deliver research that enabled the current Partners determine future viability for the project, and to aid decision-making around how best to maintain and grow an international presence for visual art and architecture at the Venice Biennale in an environmentally responsible and sustainable way.

Approach

Culture Radar's resulting research builds on the findings of the 2018 review, incorporates architecture into the review process, and considers significant changes in the project’s operating context since 2018.

Review activity included desk research, an open sector survey, in-depth interviews, round tables and an options appraisal. A total of 331 individuals contributed to the review.

Next steps

The project completed in July 2024 with the publication of findings and recommendations planned by the Partners in due course.