What does ‘HOME’ mean to you?
This question is at the heart of HOME, Australia’s official exhibition at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia, presented by the Australian Institute of Architects and led by an inspiring team of First Nations designers.
Opened on 10 May 2025, HOME is a generous, immersive installation inviting visitors to engage in storytelling, sensory experiences, and dialogue around the meaning of home. It asks audiences to share their own memories and reflections, offering a deeper cultural exchange rooted in First Nations knowledge systems and the interconnectedness of Country, place, and identity.
Created by a collective of seven First Nations academics and practitioners, the exhibition presents an earthy and serene environment made of clay, plaster, and natural materials. The Creative Directors -Emily McDaniel, Michael Mossman, and Elle Davidson - have drawn on Australia’s vast, storied landscapes to explore the oldest living culture in the world and its deep relationship to place.
“HOME is a generous and timely offering to the Venice Architecture Biennale that will welcome visitors as active contributors and participants,” says Co-Creative Director Emily McDaniel.
The broader HOME team, known as the ‘Creative Sphere’, is made up of First Nations practitioners who challenge Western architectural frameworks by introducing Indigenous methodologies, fostering equity, dialogue, and care for Country. Their appointment follows a significant moment in Australian cultural history, after Archie Moore’s exhibition kith and kin won the Golden Lion at the 2024 Art Biennale.
The development of HOME also included a ground-breaking national student program led by Dr Michael Mossman and Elle Davidson, hosted by the University of Sydney. It brought together 125 students from 11 Australian architecture schools to co-create elements of the exhibition. Each student produced a "living belonging" - a physical object reflecting their personal understanding of home - which now forms a tactile and interactive part of the exhibition.
The Alastair Swayn Foundation is proud to support HOME through its ongoing commitment to advancing architectural and design culture in Australia. We were especially pleased to have our Director, Alisa Moss, on the ground in Venice representing both the Swayn Gallery of Australian Design (Curatorial Partner of HOME) and the Foundation.
Our warmest congratulations to the HOME team on a truly outstanding and globally resonant contribution to this year’s Biennale.
Creative Sphere / HOME Team: Jack Gillmer-Lilley, Emily McDaniel, Michael Mossman, Elle Davidson, Clarence Slockee, Kaylie Salvatori, Bradley Kerr
Learn more about HOME via this website
Visit the Australia Pavilion at the Biennale Architettura until 23 November 2025
Image credits: Peter Bennetts and John Golllings