Opportunity to assist with the supervision and promotion of the Aotearoa New Zealand Pavilion at the 61st International Art Exhibition, La Biennale di Venezia as an exhibition attendant for six weeks between May and November 2026.
On this page:
- Overview
- Key dates
- Who can apply
- What is offered
- How to apply
- How your application is assessed
- Who to talk to
Overview
Founded in 1895, La Biennale di Venezia is considered one of the most important and prestigious events on the international contemporary visual arts calendar. New Zealand has exhibited at the Venice Biennale since 2001.
Fiona Pardington (Kāi Tahu, Kāti Mamoe, Ngāti Kahungunu, Clan Cameron of Erracht) will represent Aotearoa New Zealand with Taharaki Skyside. Her major new work for Venice builds on the content of her 2024 series Te taha o te rangi, ‘the edge of the heavens’, which consists of photographs of Aotearoa New Zealand birds preserved as taxidermy specimens in museum collections.
Creative New Zealand are seeking exhibition attendants for the Aotearoa New Zealand Pavilion.
Purpose of the role
Attendants are responsible for assisting with the supervision and promotion of the Aotearoa Pavilion.
- Public Engagement: Visitors feel welcome and have a high-quality experience of the artwork and receive clear communication about the exhibition; New Zealand contemporary visual art and Aotearoa generally, are presented and promoted. The Aotearoa Pavilion is promoted
- Exhibition Maintenance: Artwork is consistently presented at a high standard
- Health and Safety: Visitors and staff are safe at all times.
Amount
$5,000 plus airfares, accommodation and training
Artforms
Who can apply
Individuals who are New Zealand citizens or Permanent Residents.
You must have:
- knowledge and understanding of the contemporary visual arts (including the Aotearoa New Zealand arts sector)
- understanding of the cultural identity of Aotearoa New Zealand, in particular, an understanding of aspects of te ao Māori as they relate to Fiona Pardington’s exhibition and her broader practice
- experience in maintaining exhibitions
- the ability to correctly pronounce te reo Māori and an understanding of tikanga Māori as it relates to Fiona Pardington’s exhibition and her broader practice
- an understanding of the significance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its contemporary application.
- excellent customer service skills and the ability to provide information clearly and accurately
- a high degree of independence, professionalism, and initiative
- a current passport and be available to travel to Venice for a minimum of six weeks between May and November 2026
A degree of fluency in Italian would be an advantage, but is not a prerequisite.
A full list of experience and expertise required is included in the Position Description.
What is offered
Exhibition attendants will receive:
- a one-off contribution of NZD $5,000 towards the attendant’s costs while in Venice
- return economy airfare from a main centre to Venice, Italy
- 6 weeks' accommodation in a shared apartment, and
- training before departure and support while in Venice
Exhibition attendants will be required to undertake a full-time role over the six weeks. The exhibition is open to the public from Tuesdays to Sundays.
Payment for accessibility costs
People who identify as Deaf or disabled, or experience disability or an impairment, can claim an additional payment on top of their grant. The payment is to help cover accessibility costs during the period of the grant.
How to apply
Start your application in the CNZ Portal when applications are open.
Register or sign in to the CNZ Portal
Prepare your application
You must include:
- a full CV
- a cover letter
- an indication of when you can be available to travel
(approximate travel dates are in the Full Position Description)
Read more about support material, and which file formats you can upload to your application
Venice Attendant 2026 Full Position Description (DOCX 78KB)
Get accessibility support
If our systems are not accessible to you, we will help you find an accessible way to apply.
Talk to a Visual Arts Practice Adviser about your access needs
Read more about how we can support your access needs when applying for funding
How your application is assessed
Creative New Zealand staff will:
- review your application
- interview shortlisted candidates
Who assesses your application
Your application will be assessed by a panel of Visual Arts peer assessors and Creative New Zealand staff.
Who makes the decisions
The assessment panel makes recommendations to Creative New Zealand’s Senior Leadership team, who make the final decisions.
Who to talk to
Talk to a Visual Arts Practice Adviser to see if the opportunity is right for you.
Check that you:
- are eligible for this fund
- know what to include in your application
- have read the position description
Venice Attendant 2026 Full Position Description (DOCX 78KB) - understand the vision and values of Creative New Zealand
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