The NCCA Now Accepts Proposals for PH Pavilion at The Venice Architecture Biennale
The Philippine representation at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia in 2025 has announced the Call for Curatorial Proposals, marking the country’s 5th participation since 2016. Emphasizing the significance of the Venice Biennale as a global architecture platform, the Call encourages proposals addressing surging urbanization, environmental sustainability, and social equity.
Global urbanization, as highlighted by the World Bank’s Sustainable Cities and Communities program, is a key concern. Experts project that developing nations will double their urban populations to four billion in the next two decades, which will pose challenges in social, economic, and environmental aspects.
The Philippines, facing rapid urban expansion, grapples with issues like environmental decline, unemployment, and inefficient housing.
The Call invites Filipino citizens, including architects, curators, artists, urban planners, activists, and historians to contribute. It encourages diverse perspectives on pressing global challenges and advocates for research-grounded proposals. It also emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration with the aim of addressing key issues and pushing the boundaries of architectural creativity.
Spearheaded by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), it’s a collaboration with the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Office of Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda. The Philippine Pavilion at the Artiglierie in Arsenale, Venice, will showcase the selected proposal. The selection process involves a technical panel and final jury, with the chosen proposal realized and open to the public from May 24 to November 23, 2025.
Submission of Proposals for The Philippine Pavilion
The organization named renowned architect and engineer Professor Carlo Ratti the Curator of Biennale Architettura 2025. Ratti’s extensive background, expertise, and commitment to harnessing collective intelligence align with the current challenges in architecture.
Proposals should include details such as the exhibition title, curatorial concept, and background rationale. They should also provide a layout, narrative walkthrough, object list, production schedule, and budget. The qualifications for the proponent/curator and exhibitor/s emphasize international experience and past participation in relevant exhibitions.
The curator’s responsibilities span the entire exhibition process. This includes conceptualization and representation in meetings and events for the 19th Venice Architecture Biennale. Key points emphasize following La Fondazione la Biennale di Venezia’s rules and the direct facilitation and payment by the NCCA. They also include adherence to government auditing rules and specific guidelines for national participation set by La Biennale.
The Call for Curatorial Proposals offers Filipino contributors a unique opportunity. It allows them to influence global architectural discourse and address key issues and advocate for sustainable, resilient design. Additionally, seasoned curator Carlo Ratti’s involvement highlights a commitment to excellence. This is particularly evident in the architectural representation at the 19th Venice Architecture Biennale in 2025.
For more information, visit visit philartvencebiennale.com or email [email protected]
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