The Venice Architecture Biennale, which will run from 20 May to 26 November 2023, remains the most important global platform for the exhibition of architecture involving the public, members of civil society, individuals and institutions. It offers a unique opportunity for Irish architects to engage with international audiences.

This week, the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin, T.D., announced the selection of ‘In Search of Hy-Brasil’ to represent Ireland at the 18th Venice Architecture Biennale in 2023.

The collaborative project led by architect Peter Cody was selected following an open call by Culture Ireland, in partnership with the Arts Council. The extended curatorial team is comprised of architects Peter Carroll, Elizabeth Hatz, Mary Laheen and Joseph Mackey.

Minister Martin said: “In Search of Hy-Brasil’ examines the relationship between the islands of Ireland and their natural environment. It is very exciting to see how our adaptability to harsh conditions over the centuries can show us the way to more sustainable living today. In the era of global warming and the challenges of climate change, it is a theme that resonates globally.”

According to the curatorial team: “In Search of Hy-Brasil’ derives from an intense engagement with the islands of Ireland and is a direct provocation to all of us to reimagine the vast combined territory of land and ocean we call our home. Geographically remote and mainly peripheral to contemporary discourse, our islands are by necessity robust, resilient and inventive places. They have long been a significant crucible for language, music and song bound up with lived experience and support a rich and unique biodiversity. Their small communities, existing on the margins of viability, have embedded in their social order and cultural memory a deep knowledge and understanding of the ocean, land and resource management and the practice of maintaining sustainable environments.As an island nation facing an uncertain future, the challenges of climate change, renewable energy, ethical food production and biodiversity must be met quickly, with purpose, renewing the lost equilibrium between ourselves and the natural world.” 

Ireland at Venice 2023 will build on Ireland’s strong presence at the Venice Architecture Biennale in recent years with Annex’s ‘Entanglement’ and ‘Free Market’ gaining global acclaim in 2021 and 2018 respectively. The 16th Venice Architecture Biennale in 2018 was curated by Shelley McNamara and Yvonne Farrell of Grafton Architects.

Following its presentation in Venice, ‘In Search of Hy-Brasil’ will tour Ireland in 2024.