This year – in response to the broader theme of the Biennale Architettura 2023, ‘The Laboratory of the Future’ – the British Pavilion presents 'Dancing Before the Moon', an exhibition comprising the new work of six artists and designers, as well as a film and soundscape. The exhibition, curated for the British Council by Jayden Ali, Joseph Henry, Meneesha Kellay and Sumitra Upham, will be open to the public from 20 May until 26 November 2023. It explores the concept of everyday rituals, including cooking and dancing, as mechanisms through which diasporic communities can establish spaces of belonging and encourage new lenses through which to reflect on architecture and the built environment.

A group of UK-based artists and architects will transform the British Pavilion with a series of installations representing the possible future of British architecture, in which spaces are delineated by a celebration of community and social practices. The entrance of the pavilion will be marked by an exterior installation by Jayden Ali, followed by a cinematic installation in the main hall, acknowledging the key role that ritual plays in articulating the values and traditions of diverse communities living across the UK.

The pavilion’s galleries will present objects by five UK-based artists and architects: Yussef Agbo-Ola, Mac Collins, Shawanda Corbett, Madhav Kidao and Sandra Poulson. The objects place particular emphasis on materials and making as an exploration of how cultural practices influence spaces and environments. ‘Dancing Before the Moon’ showcases a variety of creative disciplines aiming to expand on the notion of architecture as a practice that is fundamentally shaped by people and communities.

The British Council is a valued member of Therme Group’s network of partner organisations that aims to extend Therme Art’s mission of supporting open dialogues on creating sustainable solutions for future cities through innovations in art and architecture.