News

Mount Stuart Trust is working with Scotland + Venice to offer two Isle of Bute based, Higher and Further Education students, with an active knowledge of the island and Mount Stuart, a 4-week paid opportunity, working as Exhibition Associates at La Biennale di Venezia in 2026.

Background

Scotland + Venice is a major, international project designed to promote the best of contemporary art and architecture from Scotland on the world stage. Founded in 2003 the project supports the development of new work, fosters international connections and exchange, and positions Scotland as a vibrant place for creative and cultural production. 

Scotland + Venice is a partnership between Creative Scotland, British Council Scotland, National Galleries Scotland, Architecture & Design Scotland, V&A Dundee and the Scottish Government. 

For the 61st International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia in 2026, Bugarin + Castle are to represent Scotland, in a project curated by Mount Stuart Trust and commissioned by Scotland + Venice. 

Bugarin + Castle’s commission is a multi-layered new project that uses the concept of the parade as a lens to explore complex emotional legacies of shame, pride and celebration.  Drawing on queer histories, Scottish archives and Filipino cultural heritage, Bugarin + Castle’s project will examine how sound and costume shape social control. The artists’, Davide Bugarin and Angel Cohn Castle, interdisciplinary art practice traverses' cabaret performance and architectural methodologies, driven by queer and decolonial research.

The opportunity is made possible with the support of The Bute Family Charitable Trust.

Participants of the Scotland + Venice professional development programme 2022, image by Matthew Arthur Williams. Image courtesy of Scotland + Venice.

The opportunity

Mount Stuart Trust and Scotland + Venice are offering two members a 4-week paid professional development opportunity to work as an Exhibition Associate in Venice, as part of Scotland + Venice Professional Development Programme (PDP). 

Exhibition Associates (x2) (4 week stay)

• £1883 (£13.45 per hour – 35 hrs per week for 4 weeks) for the duration of work in Venice including attendance at training
• Expenses for all travel to Venice and return to UK, accommodation and biennale passes 

The detail

Scotland + Venice is  offering you a once in a lifetime paid opportunity to spend time in Venice during the Biennale. At the heart of this role is the opportunity to grow your confidence in communicating contemporary art to a wide range of international audiences. You’ll help visitors connect with the themes and ideas behind the work on display and develop strategies for speaking about your own practice.

You’ll engage with the curatorial team to learn about the work and venue, then look after and advocate for the exhibition, whilst accessing the wealth of international exhibitions. You’re also given time to dedicate to your own academic or practice-based research. In the past, participation in the Scotland + Venice Professional Development Programme has led to jobs, placements and delivered many exciting collaborations and research. 

What you will be part of

• Venice residency: Each participant will spend four-weeks in Venice as an Exhibition Associate for the Scotland + Venice presentation, with flights, accommodation, training, and a Living Wage fee covered. You’ll also gain first-hand insight into how international exhibitions are produced and experienced, offering a rare opportunity to expand your understanding of the global visual arts ecosystem.
• Engaging audiences and communicating contemporary art: Through daily interaction with international visitors, you’ll develop the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, foster meaningful dialogue about contemporary art, and build your confidence as a facilitator and ambassador for the project. Participants will gain skills in public engagement, condition reporting, teamwork, hospitality, and health and safety, while presenting to visitors, student groups, and contributing to blogs or communications.
• Training and support: Training developed with input from Professional Development Programme Partnership organisations and the creative delivery team. Training activity includes introductions to the exhibiting team, technical and contextual learning about the Biennale and basic Italian language support.
• Collaboration and knowledge sharing: Teams will include diverse participants from across Scotland, fostering peer learning and widening access. You’ll also be part of a wider international network growing your networks both at home and abroad.
• Creative & communication outputs: Participants will work together to produce creative responses to their experience in Venice. This might take the form of writing, artwork, film, or other media. These collaborative projects will be shared with future groups, helping build a shared legacy for the Professional Development Programme.

You’ll also have the chance to contribute to online content, take part in public events, and share your insights on a dedicated social platform. With support and training, you’ll develop your communication skills and professional voice in an environment that values curiosity, critical thinking, and open dialogue.

What will be expected of you

All associates will be expected to:

• Maintain a welcoming, inclusive, informed and engaging environment for all visitors.
• Uphold Scotland + Venice’s values in audience care, inclusivity, and representation.
• The security and safety of exhibition, visitors and artworks.
• Be an ambassador for Scotland + Venice.
• Provide a key point of contact for the Scotland + Venice presentation.
• Maintain accurate records of attendance, incidents and project feedback.
• Develop international peer-to-peer relationships through events and networking.
• Be prepared to facilitate on site events and activities.

Additionally, associates from Bute will be expected to:

• Share a passion for Bute, Mount Stuart Trust and its Contemporary Visual Arts Programme with international visitors and other members of the team.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open exclusively to students who have a home address on the Isle of Bute. Please read the following programme requirements. Please do not apply if you cannot commit to these requirements:

• Applicants must have a home address on the Isle of Bute, Scotland.
• We are seeking applicants who are Higher or Further Education students, with an active knowledge of Bute and Mount Stuart
• All individuals must be over the age of 18 from 1 January 2026.
• As international travel is involved in this role, having a passport is essential. If you travel on a UK passport it must have more than 6 months validity at the time of travel.
• Applicants must be available to take up the post for one of the following time slots. The dates include travel time. Please state your preferred dates on the application form:
  - Block A: w/c 4th May – 8th June
  - Block B: w/c 8th June – 6th July 
  - Block C: w/c 6th July – 3rd August
  - Block D: w/c 3rd August – 31st August  
  - Block F: w/c 31st August – 28th September
  - Block G:  28 September - 26th October
  - Block H: 26th October – 23rd November
• Applicants must be available to attend 2 - 3 days formal training between February and April 2026.

Through your application, please demonstrate your interest in contemporary art, La Biennale di Venezia, and the practice of Bugarin + Castle, as well as your enthusiasm for working with the curatorial team at Mount Stuart Trust.

Access

Scotland + Venice are committed to making the Professional Development Programme an equal opportunity. We actively encourage applications from individuals irrespective of sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression, disability, age, race, and ethnicity, or with specific additional support needs. Successful applicants will be asked to complete an access rider as part of the recruitment process.

How to apply

Please make sure you meet the eligibility criteria before making your application.

Please complete the online application form https://form.jotform.com/260133148942353

You are welcome to submit your answers in an alternative format (audio/video) and will be asked to upload your CV as part of the application.

For enquiries please email: charlotte@mountstuart.com 

Deadline: 5 pm Monday 9th February 2026

Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.

Interviews will take place week beginning 23 February 2026