Local chosen for international art program

Council's Blake Griffiths has been selected to take part in the Australia Council's prestigious Venice Biennale Professional Development Program.

Blake, who serves the community as Gallery and Museums Program Officer, will travel to Venice to gain valuable curatorial and artistic experience at the international Biennale Arte 2019 exhibition.

Australia Council Executive Director Strategic Development and Advocacy, Dr Wendy Were, said the Professional Development programs were a key part of the Venice project that includes Australia’s national participation at the Biennale, supported by a significant donor program.

“Australia’s arts professionals are pivotal to the success of Australian arts, both at home and internationally. These professionals will contribute to Angelica Mesiti’s exhibition ASSEMBLY at the Australian Pavilion and the broader Venice project, whilst gaining valuable international connections and experience,” she said.

“The program is a proven launch pad for arts professionals. Many past participants now hold high-level positions within the Australian and international arts sectors and credit their time in the program as a pivotal point in their career development. This really is a great example of how Australia’s representation at Biennale Arte 2019 can be leveraged to create opportunities and build the capacity of the broader visual arts sector.”

Blake is one of just 15 emerging art professionals selected from across Australia to take part in the program.

"Working with Angelica Mesiti, who has produced significant video works in Broken Hill is a true honour. Broken Hill’s unique geographic and social climate offer the international artworld an interesting perceptive on engaging with arts, and I am very excited to represent Broken Hill in Venice.

Blake will be departing for Venice in September 2019. His full bio can be found online at https://www.australiacouncil.gov.au/news/media-centre/biographies/Blake-...