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

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) at the U.S. Department of State, through its Cultural Programs Division (ECA/PE/C/CU), is inviting applications under its Annual Program Statement (APS) to manage the U.S. presentation at the International Art Biennales, specifically the Venice Biennale. This prestigious event, organized by La Biennale di Venezia, is one of the most important contemporary art exhibitions globally and occurs biennially in Venice, Italy. The U.S. Pavilion, which is owned by the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation and operated by the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, serves as the venue for this exhibition and represents a significant opportunity for showcasing American artistic innovation and values to a global audience. The main objective of this grant opportunity is to select a U.S.-based organization capable of curating and managing the U.S. exhibition for one Biennale cycle. Applicants are expected to organize a three-day pre-opening Vernissage that includes public outreach events in Venice, as well as extensive educational and virtual programming during the exhibition period to engage international audiences. Furthermore, they are required to execute a media campaign targeting U.S. audiences to increase awareness and appreciation of the exhibition. All proposed exhibitions must align with the overarching goals of promoting American values and advancing international understanding through the arts. A total of $375,000 is available for each biennale cycle. Of this amount, $125,000 must be allocated directly to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection to cover staffing, maintenance, and operational costs of the U.S. Pavilion. The remaining $250,000 is designated for activities such as exhibition development, logistics, travel, and outreach. Cost-sharing is a mandatory component of eligibility, and applicants must demonstrate the capacity to provide additional funding beyond the federal contribution to fully implement the project. Eligible applicants must be U.S.-based non-profit, non-governmental organizations in the arts, education, or cultural sectors with valid 501(c)(3) status. All artists and curators proposed must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) must also comply with federal foreign funding disclosure requirements. Organizations or individuals listed on the Excluded Parties List or with unresolved debts to the U.S. government are ineligible to apply. Applications are accepted throughout the year via Grants.gov under the funding opportunity number DFOP0017204. Deadlines correspond to Biennale cycles. For the 61st Biennale (May–November 2026), proposals must be submitted between May 1, 2025, and August 6, 2025. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions by September 30, 2025. For the 62nd Biennale (May–November 2028), submissions must occur between November 1, 2026, and January 30, 2027, with decisions communicated by April 2027. Required submission components include standard federal forms (SF-424 series), a cover page, narrative proposal, budget documents, evaluation plans, personnel details, and any partner letters of support. Proposals are assessed on four main criteria: alignment with U.S. foreign policy goals, artistic excellence, artistic merit, and promotion of American values. Each criterion is weighted equally at 25 points. In the event of a tie, the proposal with greater cost-share will be prioritized. Applicants must also ensure registration in SAM.gov and obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Programmatic and financial reports will be required quarterly through the MyGrants system, with a final report due within 120 days after project completion. Technical assistance for this funding opportunity can be obtained by contacting Jenny Orrico (OrricoJL@state.gov) or Jill Staggs (StaggsJJ@state.gov). Additional help with the Grants.gov platform is available through its Contact Center. This funding initiative represents a vital mechanism for fostering artistic diplomacy and strengthening cultural ties between the United States and the international community through high-visibility artistic representation.

Applicants are advised to follow the proposal format exactly as outlined. Only the first received application per cycle is reviewed. SAM.gov registration can take 2–4 weeks.