Creative New Zealand is reminding artists and curators that they have just over one week to prepare and send in their expressions of interest for the Venice Biennale, 2009.

Entries close on Thursday 14 February 2008.

"We are seeking expressions from artist/curator teams of considerable experience and reputation to develop the 2009 Venice Biennale exhibition," said Creative New Zealand Chief Executive Stephen Wainwright.

The selection for artist-curator teams is a two stage process. For stage one, a short outline (up to two pages) of the project is required. For stage two, applicants on the short-list will then be asked to prepare a detailed exhibition proposal.

"We anticipate that final selection will be made in mid 2008," Stephen Wainwright said.

Artist/curator teams should contact Creative New Zealand for an expression of interest prospectus that outlines the scope of the project, the selection criteria and process.

Expressions of interest must be received by Creative New Zealand (or postmarked) no later than Thursday 14 February 2008. To register and receive an Expressions of Interest document, please contact:

Undine Marshfield, Creative New Zealand PO Box 3806, Wellington Tel: 04 498 0725 Fax: 04 498 0720, e-mail: venice@creativenz.govt.nz

The Venice Biennale is arguably the most important and prestigious event on the international contemporary visual arts calendar. It is a forum for the display of recent developments in contemporary art practice. Thousands of the world's most influential artists, curators, critics, dealers and collectors visit the Biennale and 2009 will mark the fourth time that Creative New Zealand has hosted a New Zealand presence at the Venice Biennale.

For all media enquiries please contact:

Undine Marshfield, Creative New Zealand

Tel: + 64 4 498 0725/ 027 965 925, e-mail: undinem@creativenz.govt.nz