The Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation announces an open call for participation in Young Ambassadors Programme within the framework of the international exhibition Homo Faber 2026, organised by the The Michelangelo Foundation for Creativity and Craftsmanship, which will take place in Venice, Italy.
The Mediators Programme is implemented during the period of Homo Faber 2026 and aims to engage young professionals in international exhibition, cultural and communication practices, as well as to develop professional competencies in the field of contemporary craftsmanship and artistic excellence.
About the Programme
Young Ambassadors serve as key representatives of the Homo Faber exhibition project. They ensure the daily functioning of the exhibition spaces and maintain professional communication with international audiences, experts, curators and media representatives.
Participation in the programme offers a unique opportunity for hands-on experience within one of the largest international projects dedicated to contemporary craft and artistic practices, as well as in-depth exposure to the activities of The Michelangelo Foundation and the international cultural environment.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
-Students or recent graduates in creative industries, design, art, cultural management, or business
-Aged between 18 and 35
-Fluent in English
-Italian language proficiency at a minimum of A2 level (fluency in Italian and additional foreign languages is considered an advantage)
-Citizens of any country, provided they are eligible to obtain a visa to Italy
-Strong motivation to study and promote craftsmanship, with an interest in knowledge transfer and cultural heritage
-Genuine enthusiasm for working with people
-Strong communication skills
-Availability for in-person participation in Venice from 19 August to 1 October 2026
*Priority will be given to candidates motivated to pursue professional development and gain practical experience within an international cultural project.
Missions and Responsibilities
Mediators will be responsible for:
-Active engagement with exhibition visitors
-Presenting the overall concept and curatorial vision of the exhibition
-Introducing the works and participants of the project
-Conducting dialogue with visitors to highlight the potential of the masters’ works as objects for acquisition, commission, or collaboration
-Ensuring logical and coherent visitor navigation between exhibition spaces
-Delivering introductory group presentations
-Conducting guided tours and accompanying private groups
-Sharing knowledge and information acquired through the training programme
-Enhancing the visibility of participating masters and their practices
-Mediators act as cultural representatives of the project’s values and mission.
Programme Duration
The total duration of the programme is approximately 2.5 months
(from 18 August to 1October 2026).
Applications are open until 27 February 2026.
The work of the mediators will be coordinated by a local coordinator at the Homo Faber venue in Venice.
Selected candidates will participate in an introductory online session prior to the start of the programme.
Participation Conditions
Selected mediators will be provided with:
-Accommodation for the duration of the programme
-One return flight from Uzbekistan to Venice
-Official accreditation for Homo Faber 2026
-Access to the project’s exhibition venues
-Organisational and professional support from the project team
Application Procedure
To apply, candidates must submit the following materials via the link by 27 February 2026, 11:59 PM (Tashkent time):
-Video Motivation (up to 2 minutes), including:
A brief introduction about yourself
Why you wish to participate
Why you consider yourself a suitable candidate for the Young Ambassador role
2–3 adjectives your friends would use to describe you
Your understanding of the theme “Homo Faber 2026: An Island of Light”
Why this programme is important for your professional development
Additional documents:
-CV (résumé)
-Portfolio (optional)
-Professional photograph
*Candidates shortlisted after the preliminary selection will be invited for an interview (online or in person).