Scotland and Wales will return to the Venice Biennale in 2026 after a years-long pause. Scotland will be represented by the Glasgow-based artist duo Bugarin + Castle, whose work is curated by Mount Stuart Trust and commissioned by Scotland + Venice. Wales will be represented by artist Manon Awst and critic Dylan Huw in collaboration, with support from the Arts Council of Wales. Both countries will participate as official collateral events rather than as national pavilions.
This return matters because it signals renewed commitment to international visibility for Scotland and Wales after funding and strategic reviews forced their withdrawal in 2024 and 2022 respectively. The biennale is the world's most prestigious contemporary art exhibition, and national representation offers significant exposure for artists and cultural diplomacy. The decision also reflects a recalibration of how smaller nations engage with global art events, balancing ambition with sustainability and equity concerns.