John Akomfrah to represent Britain at the 2024 Venice Biennale

24 January 2023

The British Council has announced today that John Akomfrah will represent Britain at the 60th Venice Biennale.

John Akomfrah is a hugely respected artist and filmmaker, whose works are characterised by their investigations into memory, post-colonialism, temporality and aesthetics and often explore the experiences of migrant diasporas globally. Akomfrah was a founding member of the influential Black Audio Film Collective, which started in London in 1982 alongside artists David Lawson and Lina Gopaul, with whom he still collaborates today.

Accepting the commission from the British Council, Akomfrah said it was a “huge privilege and honour” to be asked to represent the UK at the international art exhibition. “It is without doubt one of the most exciting opportunities that an artist can be presented with,” he said.

“I see this invitation as recognition of and a platform for all those I have collaborated with over the decades, and who continue to make my work possible. I’m grateful to be given a moment to explore the complex history and significance of this institution and the nation it represents, as well as its architectural home in Venice – with all the stories it has told and will continue to.”