20TH INTERNATIONAL ARCHITECTURE EXHIBITION,
LA BIENNALE DI VENEZIA
The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and DesignSingapore Council (DSg), as Co-Commissioners of the Singapore Pavilion, invite compelling and innovative curatorial proposals for Singapore’s pavilion at the 20th International Architecture Exhibition at La Biennale di Venezia, running from 8 May to 21 November 2027.
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ABOUT THE PAVILION
This will mark Singapore’s tenth participation in the Venice Architecture Biennale since 2004.
Providing a unique platform for architectural inquiry, it is an opportunity to introduce our nation’s experience with rapid transformation, innovative approaches to tropical urbanism, and integration of heritage with development, offering rich material for investigating fundamental questions about architecture’s role in society.
The Singapore Pavilion is located in the Sale D’ Armi A building (upper level) of the Arsenale exhibition grounds in Venice, Italy.
The Arsenale’s industrial heritage and monumental scale offer unique spatial opportunities for architectural installations. Applicants should consider how their curatorial concepts can engage with and respond to this distinctive architectural context.
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WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We seek impactful proposals that present a clear compelling idea that can be explored in depth and developed into a thought-provoking and exploratory exhibition – one that serves as an architectural inquiry and challenges conventional thinking, transcending a conventional showcase of works.
Under the curatorial direction of Wang Shu and Lu Wenyu, the 2027 Biennale may focus on authenticity of architectural practices rooted in the modern vernacular with thoughtful (re)use of materials. While responding to the Biennale’s curatorial direction, your proposal should demonstrate how Singapore’s unique approach to adaptive reuse, vernacular modernism, and contextual design contributes to global architectural discourse through deep investigation and critical examination.
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ELIGIBILITY
The lead applicant (Curator) shall be Singapore-based with substantial understanding of, and strong connection to, the Singapore architectural landscape. Multi-disciplinary teams comprising artists, curators, urban planners, designers, researchers, educators, and built environment professionals are encouraged to apply. Individual practitioners or collaborative teams are welcome. International collaborators may be included.
Teams should demonstrate experience in exhibition development, curation, architectural research, and/or critical practice. Experience in conceptual exhibitions, architectural inquiry, and/or thought-provoking installations is preferred. Applicants without direct curatorial experience are welcome to apply but must clearly outline their approach to addressing curatorial aspects of the project, whether through collaboration with experienced curators, partnership arrangements, or other strategic approaches.
Proposals will be evaluated based on their conceptual strength, investigative approach and impact, as well as on the feasibility of implementation.
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BUDGET & SUPPORT
The selected curatorial team will receive fee disbursements based on completion milestones as set out in the Open Call documents.
As the Organiser, Singapore Art Museum (SAM) will manage the financial administration (fee disbursement, logistics coordination, shipping arrangements, operational costs etc). Please register as further details will be shared during the briefing.
Upon award, the curatorial team shall work closely with SAM to ensure economic feasibility of their proposal.
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TIMELINE, REGISTRATION & SUBMISSION
22 May 2026: Launch of Open Call for Proposals
10 June 2026: Briefing to registered applicants
17 July 2026, by 4pm: Deadline for Submission
September 2026: Commencement of project
8 May 2027: Official opening of the 2027 Biennale
1H 2028: Return show in Singapore
* The timeline is indicative and subject to change.
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Register at https://go.gov.sg/2027-sg-pavilion-open-call-documents, to be informed of the briefing and download the Open Call documents.
Submit at https://go.gov.sg/2027-sg-pavilion-venicebiennale
FAQ within Circular dated 22 May 2026 at https://www.ura.gov.sg/Corporate/Guidelines/Circulars/dc26-05