The British Council Malaysia invites proposals from experienced Malaysia-based curators and consultants to develop and deliver an Architecture, Design and Fashion (ADF) public programme as part of the UK–Malaysia Spotlight 2027.

About the Opportunity 

2027 marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United Kingdom and Malaysia. To mark this milestone, the British Council is developing the UK–Malaysia Spotlight 2027, a year-long programme of arts, culture and creative industry activities under the theme Human-Nature: Past, Present, Futures.

The Spotlight will build on the British Council’s Human-Nature programme and the UK–Malaysia architectural practitioner team leading on the British Pavilion at the 20th Venice Architecture Biennale, which will be a six-month exhibition incorporating themes of Human-Nature and our relationship with the natural environment. 

As part of the Spotlight, the British Council is seeking to appoint a Consultant/Curator to conceive, plan and deliver ADF public programming events in September 2027. The event will build on the momentum of the Venice Architecture Biennale and provide a platform for emerging Malaysian architects, designers, makers and creative practitioners to engage with contemporary ideas, innovative practices and interdisciplinary approaches.

It will showcase the vision and themes of the British Pavilion, facilitate engagement with members of the UK curatorial team and participating Malaysian artisans and collaborators, and create opportunities for dialogue around the Human-Nature theme. The programme will also provide a platform for Venice Biennale Fellows to share their research, reflections and learning.

Apply by 27 November 2026. Find out more about the submission process and required documents below.

The appointed Consultant/Curator will work closely with the British Council and relevant programme partners and be responsible for the following:

  • Curatorial development: Develop the overall event concept, curatorial framework and narrative, with themes aligned to the British Pavilion, Human-Nature, sustainable and regenerative design, craft and materials, future cities and communities, and the intersections of architecture, design and fashion.
  • Programme design: Develop a programme of public talks, panel discussions, workshops, masterclasses, showcases, studio visits, networking events, student engagement activities, research presentations and design and architecture showcases.
  • Speaker and partner engagement: Identify and engage suitable speakers, facilitators and contributors, including the British Pavilion curatorial team, Malaysian architects and designers, universities, artisans, craft communities and sustainability experts.
  • Delivery planning: Develop the programme schedule and event flow, advise on venue and spatial requirements, and recommend approaches to participant engagement, facilitation and partnership development.
  • Event delivery: Provide curatorial oversight, coordinate programme contributors, facilitate selected sessions and support on-site delivery during the event week.
  • Documentation and legacy: Develop an approach to documenting key learning and outcomes, contribute to post-event reporting and communications, and provide recommendations for future UK–Malaysia collaboration in architecture and design.

For the full scope of work, deliverables and expected responsibilities, please refer to the Request for Proposal (RFP) document available for download below.

We welcome proposals from experienced Malaysia-based curators, consultants or creative practitioners with a strong track record in architecture, design, fashion, cultural programming or related fields.

Applicants should be able to demonstrate:

  • At least seven years’ relevant professional experience in architecture, design, fashion, curation, cultural programming or related fields.
  • Proven experience developing and delivering public programmes, festivals, exhibitions or design events.
  • A strong understanding of contemporary architecture and design discourse.
  • Experience working with multidisciplinary creative practitioners.
  • Excellent stakeholder engagement and facilitation skills.
  • Experience managing international collaborations.
  • Established networks within Malaysia’s architecture and design communities.

Desirable experience and knowledge include:

  • Knowledge of the Venice Architecture Biennale.
  • Experience working across architecture, craft, design and fashion.
  • Familiarity with sustainability, climate and Human-Nature themes.
  • Established networks within UK architecture and design communities.
  • Experience working with young professionals and higher education institutions.

For further details on the Consultant profile and requirements, please refer to the RFP document.

To apply, please review the Request for Proposal (RFP) (document downloadable below) and complete the required supplier response and pricing documents.

Proposals must be submitted through the British Council’s online e-Tendering portal by 27 November 2026.

New suppliers: Register as a British Council supplier

Existing suppliers: Log in to the e-Tendering portal

Clarification questions: Applicants may submit questions about the RFP by 13 November 2026 through the e-Tendering portal. We encourage applicants to consolidate their questions into a single submission where possible.

Tender Details:

  • Request for Quotation ID: RFP1037757 

Activity Date / time
RFP Issued 06 November 2026
Deadline for clarification questions (Clarification Deadline) 13 November 2026
British Council to respond to clarification questions 18 November 2026
Deadline for submission of Proposals by potential suppliers (Response Deadline) 27 November 2026 – 11.59pm MY time
Clarification / Negotiation stage 30 November – 4 December 2026
Final Decision 7 December 2026
Contract concluded with winning supplier 9 December 2026
Contract start date 10 December 2026

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