Annual Program Statement for U.S. Presentation at International Art Biennales

The Annual Program Statement for the U.S. Presentation at International Art Biennales, issued by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), aims to promote American values and foster international dialogue through the global platform of the Venice Biennale. Managed by the Cultural Programs Division (ECA/PE/C/CU), this opportunity provides funding for the exhibition of innovative and compelling contemporary art by U.S. artists at the U.S. Pavilion in Venice, Italy. The Pavilion is a historic site operated by the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and is part of La Biennale di Venezia, one of the most prestigious international art events that attracts participation from over 85 countries. The program seeks to highlight the ingenuity and diversity of the American arts community while aligning with U.S. foreign policy objectives. Applicants are expected to organize a three-day vernissage (preview/inauguration) and offer extensive outreach and education programming, including virtual components that engage both foreign and U.S. audiences. A robust media campaign should accompany the exhibition to ensure wide exposure and dialogue around the selected themes and artworks. Proposals should align with the evolving themes announced by the Biennale commissioners, usually in the spring, and applicants are advised to monitor the official Biennale website for updates. The program provides a maximum of $375,000 per biennale cycle. Of this, $125,000 must be allocated to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection for staffing and operations of the Pavilion, while the remaining funds are intended for curatorial and production costs, including travel, installation, and shipping of the artwork. Cost sharing is required and may include in-kind or cash contributions, as the full cost of such an international exhibition typically exceeds the federal award. Projects must comply with the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchanges Act of 1961, which mandates a non-political, diplomacy-centered approach. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through Grants.gov. The call outlines two specific review periods: one ending August 6, 2025, for the 2026 Biennale, and another ending January 30, 2027, for the 2028 Biennale. Only one application per organization per cycle will be reviewed. Required components include federal forms (SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B), budget documents, monitoring and evaluation plans, and narrative proposals. Organizations involved in lobbying must also submit the SF-LLL form. All applicants must be U.S.-based nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, and curators or artists must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Evaluation of proposals is based on how well they advance U.S. foreign policy goals, exhibit artistic excellence, and demonstrate artistic merit. Panel reviewers, including experts in American art and representatives from the Department of State, assess proposals for alignment with strategic goals, feasibility, budget appropriateness, and outreach scope. Cost share levels may serve as a tiebreaker in selection decisions. Final awards are issued by the Department’s Grants Officer through the MyGrants system, and successful applicants must maintain current registration in SAM.gov and fulfill post-award reporting requirements. These include performance progress reports, financial reporting via Form SF-425, and final reports within 120 days of the project’s conclusion. The grant performance period is typically 18 months, and the Department reserves the right to monitor recipients through site visits and additional reporting as needed.

Ensure all required documents are submitted exactly as outlined in the Proposal Submission Instructions. Proposals missing any element will be ineligible.