The honour of being the Venice Architecture Biennale Commissioner has been presented to Janet Holmes à Court AC.

Janet Holmes à Court is one of Australia’s most successful and influential businesswomen and a renowned patron of the arts.

Currently she is Chairman of the John Holland Group, one of Australia’s leading construction and engineering companies, and of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra, and holds respected roles in many other distinguished organizations.

Australian Institute of Architects National President Melinda Dodson said that the role of commissioner is integral in ensuring that Australia’s presence in Venice is recognised onshore and globally.

She stated, “the Venice Architecture Biennale is arguably the most important event on the international contemporary architecture calendar.”

Last year the event attracted 57,000 visitors from around the world, acting as invaluable exposure for Australian architects to showcase their work in a global arena and to position themselves alongside architects from varying nationalities.

To ensure that the 2010 Venice Architecture Biennale reaches similar highs, the Institute is now calling for expressions of interest for the role of Creative Director for the 2010 Biennale.

Submissions close on Friday 17 July.

For more information on the Creative Director role and entry requirements, visit architecture.com.au/venicebiennale