Dr Michael Mossman, Emily McDaniel and Jack Gillmer-Lilley will Present HOME for the 19th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale Di Venezia 2025.
HOME will present an immersive, culturally rich experience grounded in Indigenous knowledge systems and architectural innovation.
Dr Michael Mossman explained the 2025 Australia Pavilion will be a space for meaningful dialogue between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples on an international scale. “This is the first Venice Architecture Biennale following the Australian referendum to amend the Australian Constitution for a Voice to Parliament,” says Mossman.
“While the result presented a setback to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander agency and self-determination at a constitutional level, it opened opportunities for impactful dialogue between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people which we will continue with HOME.”
Jack Gillmer adds, “the pavilion design and participatory interaction invites First Nations making, storytelling, and yarning to facilitate relationships and ideate a concept of culturally safe spaces within the context of institutional architectures. As a collective we practice collaboratively through yarning, reaching consensus on diverse narratives and values resulting in a rich proposal. The Australian Pavilion at the Biennale will celebrate cultural exchange, Country, and cultural knowledge systems to enable conversations and connection on a global scale working towards First Nations led methodologies to reconsider architectural practices towards sustainability, net zero carbon, and material circularity.”
The creative sphere of First Nations leadership of Mossman, McDaniel and Gillmer, with Clarence Slockee, Kaylie Salvatori, Elle Davidson, and Bradley Kerr, alongside global ambassadors, will bring rich cultural programming to the pavilion.
Emily McDaniel emphasised the importance of the programming that will feature storytelling, performance, future generational contributions and hands-on cultural exchanges, encouraging visitors to engage deeply with the theme of Home. “HOME is a generous and timely offering to the Venice Architecture Biennale that will welcome visitors as active contributors and participants. Through design, enlivened public conversations, cultural practice and ceremony, we will facilitate a shared and collective experience that resonates with international audiences and recognises the criticality of First Nations knowledge”.
The Venice Architecture Biennale is the leading global platform for architectural dialogue and innovation, drawing participants and visitors worldwide. It provides architects with a unique opportunity to showcase their pioneering work and ideas on an international stage. The Australia Pavilion at the Venice Biennale offers a chance to present Australia’s most cutting-edge architectural ideas and practices to a global audience. It elevates the international profile of Australian architecture and fosters connections with both international and local audiences.
The Australian Institute of Architects is proudly partnering with Creative Australia to participate in the ‘Olympics of architecture’ and deliver the exhibit. Brickworks will once again be returning as Principal Partner – having supported the Australian architecture exhibition since 2008.
