Exhibition as Campaign: The Canadian Pavilion at the Venice Biennale of Architecture 2023

Exterior view of AAHA's heartquarters for the Not for Sale! campaign. Photo credit: Maris Mezulis.

I recently spoke with Adrian Blackwell and David Fortin, two members of the collective Architects Against Housing Alienation which recently transformed the Canadian Pavilion at the Venice Biennale of Architecture into a campaign headquarters for equitable housing. Our discussion revolved around the pavilion exhibition titled "Not For Sale!", which aims to address the pressing issue of housing alienation and promote equitable housing in Canada. The pavilion’s organizing committee, formed by a diverse group of experts and activists, aimed to examine and promote equitable housing from both indigenous and settler perspectives. They brought together collaborators, consisting of activists, architects, and housing advocates, to explore different regions in Canada and present visions for non-alienated housing.

“With the exhibition, we’re interested in…articulating to the world that Canada has some deep housing problems both for Indigenous people and for settlers and both in rural areas and in urban areas” - Adrian Blackwell

From Campaign to Exhibition

David explains that the exhibition 'Not for Sale!' highlights the three essential connections severed by the housing crisis: the disconnection from the land, the alienation among people, and the lack of individual agency. By focusing on these aspects, the exhibition prompts viewers to reflect on their relationship with the land they inhabit, the sense of community within urban developments, and the empowerment to shape their housing options. It challenges the commodification of housing and emphasises the need for indigenous perspectives and land practices to guide alternative approaches.

“There are many layers to the concept of alienation and the first is literally a disconnect between ourselves and the land that we live on.” - David Fortin

Re-connections and Alternative Solutions

The exhibition showcases various projects and precedents that propose rec-onnection in the housing sector. David points to one example, the concept of design sovereignty on indigenous territories, as advocated by One House Many Nations. This approach entails developing capacity for housing manufacturing and design, using local resources and language, and involving elders in shaping housing solutions. Adrian points to another example, the Gentrification Tax Action, which proposes a tax on property sales to fund deeply affordable, locally managed housing and counteract the negative impact of financialised real estate investment.

Strategies Beyond the Pavilion Walls

To extend the reach of their message, the collective employed strategies beyond the physical exhibition space. They have plastered posters in Venice and utilised social media campaigns to engage a broader audience. Working with graphic designers and consultants, they have utilised digital platforms to amplify the conversation on equitable housing. By leveraging these tools, they aim to create international exposure and foster alliances with like-minded organisations and individuals.

Building an Enduring Movement

Adrian and David envision 'Not for Sale!' as a multi-year project that goes beyond the Biennale. They plan to organise events across Canada, engage students, build alliances, and establish a platform for ongoing support and resource sharing. Their objective is to create a comprehensive movement that connects diverse initiatives, amplifies existing conversations, and empowers individuals to take action in their communities. By expanding their reach and ensuring collaboration, they aim to be a valuable resource for Canadians navigating the challenges of equitable housing.

The exhibition 'Not for Sale!' at the Canada Pavilion in the Venice Biennale of Architecture 2023 serves as a powerful catalyst for change in the housing sector. The collective has transformed the exhibition into a dynamic campaign for equitable housing in Canada with the potential to inspire responses to the housing crisis on an international scale. By addressing issues of alienation, re-connection, and indigenous perspectives, they aim to empower individuals, foster collaboration, and promote alternative solutions. Through strategies like social media engagement and continued events, they are determined to mobilise Canadians and create a lasting impact beyond the Biennale. "Not For Sale!" is on view at the Canada Pavilion as part of the Biennale of Architecture in Venice until November 26, 2023.

You can find out more about Architects Against Housing Alienation's campaign at www.ahaa.ca.

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This article is based on an episode of “Talking Architecture”, a podcast on architecture, buildings and the stories they tell. You can listen to the full episode in the player below. 

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