We are proud to have partnered with the British Council to be part of the Venice Fellowships Programme, a scheme which activates and enriches world-renowned exhibitions at the Venice Biennale. The Fellowships Programme is a key part of the British Council’s presence in Venice, supporting the exhibition programme as well as being a platform for the development of new creative careers and future leaders. The Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for emerging creatives from Durham to represent the UK on an international level whilst broadening their perspective, making connections and developing their creative practice.
The Fellowships Programme enables creative students to spend a month in Venice during the world’s most important art and architecture biennials. As exhibition ambassadors at the British Pavilion, the student Fellows enrich and activate the British Council’s exhibition programme. They engage visiting members of the public and expand the impact of the show. Alongside this practical residency, Fellows have the opportunity to develop their own research or practical creative projects and use the Biennale as a platform for artistic and professional development. Through these contributions, Fellows elevate the Pavilion to an important reference point for universities and creative organisations around the world.
From May to November, alternating between art and architecture, the Venice Biennale now attracts half a million visitors p.a. A celebration of art and architecture, the Biennale explores themes of politics and contemporary cultural & social issues through performance, sculpture and installations
The Venice Fellowships Programme sends approximately 60 UK-based students and researchers to the Venice Biennale for one month every year. Two places are available to Durham students. Fellows spend half their time working at the British Pavilion, acting as Exhibition Ambassadors and interacting with visitors and supporting the exhibition. The other half of the time spent in Venice is dedicated to students being able to develop or exhibit their own independent research or creative project, inspired by the Biennale and Venice.
Full details are available from the Venice Fellowships Programme Guide.
Fellows receive a grant of £3300 to help support the cost of travel, accommodation and living costs.
Students must have at least one year of their Durham degree programme remaining when the Fellowships take place. Applications that do not meet this criterion will be rejected. Please also read the British Council requirements set out in their guide (available below).
Please note: places are exceptionally limited and we anticipate that competition will be strong. Therefore, while we welcome applications from all backgrounds, students are asked to take the time to submit serious (rather than speculative or rushed) applications.
All current Durham University students will be eligible to apply as long as they have at least one year of their degree programme remaining when the Fellowship takes place.
Deadline: 11:59 pm 09 November 2026
In the interest of fairness, late applications will not be accepted. Emailed applications will not be accepted. If you experience technical difficulties please:
Emails and submissions received after the deadline will not be considered.
A University panel, will review all applications against the questions in the application form. Between three and five students will be shortlisted for each place available and will be put forward to the British Council for final selection.
After selection and before nomination to the British Council, shortlisted students will be required to have a brief screening call with the Global Opportunities team. This will take place w/c 30 November 2026.
All applicants will be informed as to whether or not their application was shortlisted by Durham by 11 December 2026.
The British Council will review the shortlisted applications and notify the final candidates in early February 2027. A virtual interview with candidates may be required.
Successful applicants will receive full training by the British Council prior to beginning their Fellowship. Candidates are required to book and attend a 15-minute online introductory meeting with the Induction facilitator prior to 26 February 2027.
Candidates must commit to and attend in full the online six-week Induction series during March and April 2027. Candidates are asked to actively engage with the Induction. The sessions are designed to prepare Fellows for the Venice residency month and build a community of practice together via talks, peer-led workshops, and networking breakout sessions. Candidates are required to participate in an evaluation of the Induction.
Candidates are encouraged to undertake their own independent research into La Biennale, the British Pavilion and the content of 2027 commission. British Council will support this by sharing information and opportunities for learning (reading lists, articles, public programming talks).
Candidates must be able to manage, handle and book all the requirements for their own trip to Venice (including travel, visas, and accommodation).
Candidates must be available to travel and live in Venice for a full month period (30 days) from May – November 2027.
After the Fellowship, students that have been supported will be expected to engage with the cultural events of the University to help encourage other students to take part in future opportunities. The events can range from Durham Global Week to the Student Art Prize.
Full details of pre, during and post fellowship expectations are available in the Venice Fellowships Programme Guide.
Please read the Venice Fellowship Programme Guide for detailed information about the programme and to download the application form template. General information about the Venice Fellowship is available on the British Council’s website.
Q&A sessions for interested candidates will be held by the British Council on the following dates via Teams (TBC).
Sophie Lucas, venicefellowships@britishcouncil.org for questions about the Fellowships programme.
exchanges.studyabroad@durham.ac.uk for Durham Global Opportunities questions.
Applicants MUST a) read the British Council Guidance, which contains a link to the Microsoft Word application form template and b) upload their completed application to the DU portal by the deadline (09 November 2026). These can be accessed below:
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