To be given the opportunity to live in Venice for a month, work with people who all share an interest in the arts whilst being part of the world’s largest gathering of art was quite surreal. Applying for this role was the best decision I made this year; it is not every day that your journey to work is walking alongside the Grand Canal!
The experience of working in a gallery environment was something I never thought I could get involved in and was interested in the mechanics of stewarding and invigilating in a gallery. To be given this chance at part of one of the world’s biggest gatherings of art and architecture was a good start. The Biennale itself was an event I had not visited before. With the various Pavilions from countries around the world, it was so insightful to see the difference in what art could be produced from different cultures globally. I would happily go back in the future, especially to the Architecture Biennale to see the comparison between the art and architecture of the various countries.
Sharing our time between invigilating in the British Pavilion and carrying out our own research project gave us time to explore Venice in a way tourists may not necessarily explore the city. Getting lost was something that could not be avoided, which was not a bad thing as you would come across an aspect of the city you may not have found on a map (a hidden gem if you will).
To see so many people in one place with such a genuine interest in culture and the arts and be able to interact with these visitors at the Pavilion made for a very positive environment to work and live in. I would whole-heartedly recommend applying for this role to anyone considering it and I will definitely be visiting Venice and the Biennale again in the future.
Side note: the food and gelato were amazing.
Written by: Lydia Ramsen