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

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), Cultural Programs Division (ECA/PE/C/CU), is offering funding through its Annual Program Statement (APS) to support the presentation of American art at the International Art Biennales, most notably the Venice Biennale. This prestigious biannual event provides a global platform for showcasing the innovation and diversity of the American arts community. The U.S. exhibition is housed at the U.S. Pavilion in Venice, which is owned by the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation and operated by the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. ECA's overarching goal is to enhance international understanding of American values through compelling artistic expression and cultural exchange. This program seeks to expose international audiences to American art that resonates with U.S. values and addresses shared global challenges. Applicants are expected to coordinate a three-day preview (Vernissage), develop educational and virtual programming for global audiences, and execute a media campaign to reach domestic viewers. Projects should foster mutual understanding, enhance U.S. foreign policy objectives, and create long-lasting relationships between the U.S. and international communities. Funding for each Biennale cycle is up to $375,000, contingent upon availability. Of this, $125,000 must go to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection for pavilion operations, while $250,000 supports exhibition logistics, including development, travel, and shipping. Only one award will be issued per cycle. Applicants must demonstrate capacity to match or exceed the federal share through cost-sharing from other sources, as the scope of activities is likely to surpass federal support. Applicants must also be able to manage funds in accordance with federal regulations and report through the Department of State’s MyGrants platform. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, such as cultural, educational, design, or art organizations. Individuals or non-U.S. entities are not eligible. Proposed curators and artists must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. All applicants must have a valid UEI and be registered in SAM.gov prior to applying, unless they have an approved exemption due to exigent circumstances. Applications must be submitted via grants.gov under the title “Annual Program Statement for U.S. Presentation at International Art Biennales,” using the opportunity number DFOP0017204. Submissions are accepted year-round but will be reviewed in distinct cycles. For the 61st Biennale (May–November 2026), applications must be received between May 1 and July 30, 2025, with notifications by September 1, 2025. For the 62nd Biennale (2028), submissions must be between November 1, 2026, and January 30, 2027, with decisions by April 2027. Applications must include specific components such as SF-424 forms, proposal narratives, budgets, key personnel bios, and monitoring plans. Only the first application received per organization will be considered per cycle. Evaluation is based on advancement of U.S. foreign policy goals, artistic merit, and program impact, each carrying equal weight. Review is conducted by the Federal Advisory Committee on International Exhibitions, in collaboration with the National Endowment for the Arts and the Department of State. Final decisions rest with ECA/PE/C/CU leadership. For application-related questions, contact Jenny Orrico (OrricoJL@state.gov) or Jill Staggs (StaggsJJ@state.gov).

Ensure early SAM.gov registration; only one application per cycle per organization; follow Proposal Submission Instructions closely; reviewers will only assess up to page limits