AdminThe British Council has unveiled the curatorial team set to represent the United Kingdom at the 20th International Architecture Exhibition of the 2027 Venice Biennale, marking a significant milestone in UK–Malaysia relations.
The 2027 British Pavilion will be presented as a collaborative effort between the two countries, commemorating 70 years of diplomatic ties. The initiative builds on the UK’s previous international partnerships, including its 2025 collaboration with Kenya, which received La Biennale’s Special Mention award.
Selected through an open call, the winning proposal responds to the British Council’s UK–Malaysia Human-Nature programme, which examines the relationship between communities, environments and cultural practices. A panel comprising architects, educators and cultural professionals from both countries, chaired by Commissioner Sevra Davis, shortlisted six proposals before making the final decision.
Cultural traditions shaping architectural narrative
The exhibition will be led by UK-based curators Dr Guan Lee and Mike Lim, supported by Maria McLintock and Ben Swaby Selig, working closely with Penang-based artisans Ng Chi Wang, Lee Shao Chin and Koh Eng Keat.
Their concept centres on themes of impermanence in architecture, diaspora culture and the evolution of living traditions shaped by migration. Drawing inspiration from Malaysian ritual paper architecture—temporary bamboo-framed structures made from recycled paper—the installation references the Hungry Ghost Festival, where such structures are ceremonially created and later released.
Davis said the collaboration reflects a broader cultural dialogue. “As we celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations between the UK and Malaysia, we are excited to work with a curatorial team whose proposal brings together architecture, ritual and cultural memory. Drawing on Malaysian traditions of paper structures created for the Festival of Hungry Ghosts, the exhibition will explore how acts of making and remaking can shape our relationships with nature, place and one another.”
The appointed team described the project as both celebratory and conceptual. “We are thrilled to bring the Festival of Hungry Ghosts to the British Pavilion at La Biennale di Venezia 2027, as a joyful celebration of diasporic culture and the living traditions that travel, transform, and endure through migration.”
They added: “To build for disappearance is, we believe, one of the most radical acts of architectural thinking available today.”
Platform for bilateral creative exchange
British Council Malaysia Country Director Jazreel Goh said the project underscores the importance of cultural exchange on a global stage. “The UK-Malaysia collaboration at the 2027 Venice Biennale presents an exciting opportunity to celebrate creative collaboration between the UK and Malaysia on the global stage on the occasion of 70 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.”
Selection committee member Pei Tsen Yeoh noted the proposal’s balance between vision and execution. “After a rigorous two-stage application process, I am delighted that the successful proposal presents a sensitive, joyous and culturally grounded plan which successfully integrates conceptual ambition with practical delivery.”
The British Pavilion exhibition is expected to position Malaysian craft traditions within contemporary architectural discourse, while highlighting shared global concerns around sustainability, migration and cultural continuity.
Jimmy Tan
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