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Scotland + Venice Report: Towards Ethical and Sustainable Practice

The Report

Sculpture Placement Group (SPG), in collaboration with Creative Scotland, has published a major report: Towards a Sustainable and Ethical Delivery of Scotland + Venice.

Commissioned in 2022, the research fellowship set out to explore how Scotland’s participation in the Venice Biennale can align with environmental and ethical commitments, supporting Scotland’s broader ambition to reach net zero.

The report draws on interviews with artists, curators, technicians, and international partners, alongside case studies and workshops such as Towards the Green Lion. Its findings arrive at a pivotal moment: Scotland + Venice is currently paused, offering a rare opportunity to rethink how the project can continue in a rapidly changing environmental and financial context.

Read the Scotland + Venice Report

Key Findings

Key findings and recommendations include:

  • Establishing a carbon budget: reducing emissions year-on-year towards net zero by 2030.
  • Embedding sustainability at every stage: from commissioning briefs and contracts, to fabrication, travel, and hospitality.
  • Building local and international partnerships: working with Venetian organisations like Rebiennale and We Are Here Venice, while also creating stronger continuity between Scottish teams.
  • Exploring new models: from circular practices and touring exhibitions to alternative fellowship-style programmes.
  • Taking bold action: using the Biennale as a platform for Scotland to lead on sustainable cultural exchange.

The report stresses that change must be “swift and impactful,” with only four Scotland + Venice editions left before 2030, Creative Scotland’s net zero target.

Recommendations

The report stresses that change must be “swift and impactful,” with only four Scotland + Venice editions left before 2030, Creative Scotland’s net zero target.

“Scotland could be exemplary in their approach to sustainable international cultural participation. Scotland + Venice could become a great example, but those involved will need to be bold, take risks, and address any pushback.” – Report, p.47

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