The Hong Kong Arts Development Council (ADC) is now inviting interested local arts organisations or independent curators to submit proposals for exhibition and curation of the 51st Venice Biennale in 2005.

Followed by the first participation in the 49th Venice Biennale in 2001, the ADC made a second effort to participate in the 50th Venice Biennale in 2003, bringing Hong Kong's visual artworks to the world. The ADC plans to participate again in the 51st Venice Biennale to stage local visual artworks to the international scene and promote cultural exchange between Hong Kong and the world.

The 51st Venice Biennale will be held from June to December 2005 in Venice, Italy. The directors of the Biennale are Maria de Corral and Rosa Martinez, and the theme is to be confirmed by the Venice Biennale. The venue of the exhibition is Fondaco Marcello, with an approximate gross total area of 362.2 square metres, situated at San Marco 3415, 30124 Venice. The selected curator will be responsible for all matters such as exhibition arrangement and publicity of the project.

Application forms and requirements are available at the ADC Administration Office at 22/F, 181 Queen's Road Central, Hong Kong, or can be downloaded from the ADC website. Completed proposals must be deposited in the collection box located at the ADC Administration Office by 6:30 pm, 30 December 2004 (Thursday). Please mark "Proposal for the 51st Venice Biennale (Visual Arts)" on the envelope. Applications submitted by post will only be accepted if postmarked no later than the deadline. Late proposals or proposals submitted via fax, email will not be processed.

For enquiries, please contact Mr Ho at 2820 1091.