Amidst a highly competitive pool of entries both Silvia & Helena were able to demonstrate how their research plans aligned with the themes of this year's Biennale curated by the late Koyo Kouoh’s titled ‘Minor Keys’ and the British Pavillion selected artist, Lubaina Himid. Silvia writes that she is drawn to the idea of art as a portal to take us to new worlds and ideas, and Helena’s project in collaboration with the Conservatorio Benedetto Marcello explores women’s voices. We are incredibly excited to support these two A&H researchers.
Dr Kate McMillan, Head of Department—Culture, Media & Creative Industries
20 February 2026
King's announces 2026 Venice Student Fellows
Silvia Paciaroni (PhD, Philosophy) and Helena McBurney (PhD, English) will participate in the 2026 Venice Biennale.
The Venice Fellowship offers exceptional students the chance to gain behind the scenes knowledge of the workings of one of the world's most important cultural events and a context in which to pursue self-guided research in the rich, stimulating context of the Biennale and the city of Venice.
Silvia Paciaroni, (PhD, Philosophy) and Helena McBurney (PhD, English) have been selected as King’s Student Fellows for the Venice Fellowships Programme, supported by British Council, King's Culture and the Department of Culture, Media and Creative Industries at King’s.
The pair have been selected from over 40 applicants from King’s alone and will spend a month in Venice over May and June as Ambassadors in the British Pavilion, while also undertaking their own projects inspired by Venice and the Biennale.
King’s Culture is proud to support the King’s College London Venice Fellows. This knowledge exchange opportunity reflects our commitment to nurturing the next generation of cultural leaders, and to deepening King’s engagement with global cultural conversations.
Leanne Hammacott, Head of Programming — King's Culture
Helena, who is an English Literature PhD researcher, is researching women in the 19th century who moved to Italy in search of greater freedom of artistic expression and will also be working with female musicians and singers who are currently studying in Venice.
I am over the moon to have the opportunity to go to Venice, connect with other artists and academics, and research my project on women’s voices. I’m sure it will take my PhD work in an exciting new direction.
- Helena McBurney, PhD researcher (English)
Silvia Paciaroni's project focuses on art’s cognitive value, especially how art can communicate the artist’s worldview. In Venice, she will curate a series of case studies across the Exhibition exemplifying the idea that artists can communicate their attitude to the world through their work.
Winning the Fellowship has been an incredible honour, and I am really excited about meeting other Fellows and bringing my research to Venice. I am extremely grateful for this opportunity to learn from artists and to develop my philosophical project through their creative insights.
- Silvia Paciaroni (PhD, Philosophy)
According to the British Council, sixty Venice Fellows will represent the UK at the British Pavilion at the 61st International Art Exhibition.
As exhibition ambassadors, the sixty 2026 Fellows will invigilate the galleries, engage visiting members of the public and create moments of intercultural dialogue and connection.
You can find out more about the Biennale and Venice Fellowships on the British Council website.