UCA Students’ Venice Biennale Fellowship: Exploring Architecture and Colonization

UCA Students Explore Architecture and Colonization at the Venice Biennale

Two University for the Creative Arts (UCA) students, Pati Starzykowski and Lizzie Grinter, have been awarded the prestigious British Council Venice Fellowships, granting them a month-long residency at the Venice Biennale. This internationally acclaimed arts event provides a unique platform for cultural exchange and exploration.

The British Pavilion: A Hub for Intercultural Dialogue

The British Council’s Venice Fellowships programme selected 46 fellows from the UK and Kenya to participate in a unique collaboration centered around the British Pavilion exhibition, ‘GBR – Geology of British Repair.’ This year’s theme delves into the intricate relationship between architecture and colonization, examining them as interconnected systems and advocating for architecture as a practice rooted in environmental consciousness. The fellows will act as exhibition ambassadors, fostering intercultural dialogue and exploring the complex interplay between these fields.

Pati Starzykowski: Mapping the Resilience of Ruderal Plants

Pati Starzykowski, a PhD candidate at UCA, focuses on the intersection of art, science, ecology, and politics. His project at the Biennale involves mapping the presence of ruderal plants—often considered weeds—in Venice’s urban spaces. These plants, which thrive in disturbed environments, symbolize resilience and adaptation in the face of colonial histories and environmental changes.

Urban Plantraits: A Testimony to Change

Pati’s research explores how the spread of ruderal plants intertwines with colonial legacies, economic shifts, and human movement. He views these plants not as mere weeds but as agents of change, reflecting the city’s history and ongoing transformation. His project, ‘Urban Plantraits,’ will culminate in a ‘map of intensities’ and the creation of pavement tiles using local materials, tracing the historical significance of these plants in remediation and repair.

Lizzie Grinter: Weaving a Tapestry of Sustainability

Lizzie Grinter, a BA (Hons) Architecture student at UCA, brings her passion for sustainable design to the Biennale. Her project centers on the reuse and repair of unwanted textiles, transforming waste materials into a decorative and insulating tapestry through collaborative workshops.

Studio Stitch: Crafting a Kinder Circular Economy

Lizzie’s initiative, ‘Studio Stitch,’ invites Biennale visitors to participate in the creation of a tapestry using upcycled textiles. This hands-on experience promotes a circular economy, highlighting the value of traditional craft techniques while raising awareness about the fashion industry’s environmental impact. The final tapestry will serve as a prototype for sustainable insulation, potentially used in temporary housing or building retrofits.

Reviving Traditional Crafts and Fostering Connection

Lizzie’s project also addresses the historical devaluation of hand-crafted art forms due to colonial exploitation. By reviving traditional crafts and engaging Biennale visitors in co-creation, she aims to foster intercultural connections and promote sustainable practices.

UCA’s Leading Role in Architectural Education and Research

Professor Cat Rossi, UCA’s Professor of Architecture, played a pivotal role in securing UCA’s partnership with the British Council for the Venice Fellowships. This collaboration underscores UCA’s commitment to fostering innovative research and providing students with unique opportunities to engage with global challenges.

Conclusion: UCA Students Shine on the Global Stage

The British Council Venice Fellowships offer a remarkable platform for UCA students to showcase their talents and contribute to critical conversations surrounding architecture, colonization, and sustainability. Pati and Lizzie’s projects exemplify UCA’s dedication to fostering creativity and innovation, positioning its students as future leaders in the field. Follow their journey on Instagram: @mother_matter (Pati) and @lizziegrinter (Lizzie), and stay updated on the British Council’s arts initiatives via @BritishArts. Learn more about the Venice Fellowships 2025.