BELFAST.- The search is on for a curator to organise Northern Ireland’s third major international art exhibition at the Venice Biennale of Visual Arts in 2009. This most prestigious of world showcase events for the visual arts takes place over a five month period, every two years, and attracts the world’s top artists representing over 75 nations.

Last year, sharing the stage with such luminaries of the contemporary art world as Tracey Emin, Northern Ireland’s curator, Hugh Mulholland, helped to deliver a highly acclaimed exhibition of video art works by Willie Doherty, the twice Turner Prize nominated artist from Derry. More than 40,000 people visited Doherty’s exhibition in Venice, helping to draw the world’s attention to the quality of contemporary visual arts currently coming out of Northern Ireland.

Speaking on behalf of the working party behind Northern Ireland’s exhibition in Venice, Arts Council Chief Executive, Roisín McDonough, said, “The Arts Council is delighted to be working once again with the British Council to build upon these important international career opportunities for Northern Ireland’s artists, and upon Northern Ireland’s growing reputation as a major international player in the arts. Last year’s show by Willie Doherty undoubtedly raised the bar, setting quite a challenge for the next exhibition; but I’m confident that we now have the artistic quality on these shores to stand shoulder to shoulder with any country in the world.”

Colm McGivern, Director of the British Council, stressing the importance of maintaining a strong presence at the Venice Biennale to the development of Northern Ireland’s international image, said, “The Venice Biennale is one of the most important events in the international cultural calendar. It always attracts massive media interest around the world, and our continuing presence helps to promote Northern Ireland for all the right reasons, in a very positive and progressive light. Our exhibition in 2009 will reflect the growing creative reputation deserved of a place with such an ambitious international agenda.”

The Northern Ireland curator or curatorial team for the Venice Biennale 2009 will be responsible for researching, developing and delivering Northern Ireland’s presentation.

The closing date for proposals for this career-moulding opportunity for experienced curators is Friday 23rd May.