Funding provided by the Arts Council of Wales, will see that country have representation at the Venice Biennale for the first-time. The Arts Council notes that 'in order to gain maximum impact from Wales' inaugural presence at the Biennale', they have appointed Michael Nixon as the first Commissioner for Wales at the festival, and Patricia Fleming as Curator. Nixon has welcomed his appointment, noting that the 'Welsh presence at the Biennale will not only raise the profile of Welsh visual arts within the international community, it will also help raise the expectations of practitioners in Wales'. Harry James, an ACW member, has reaffirmed such sentiments noting that 'the fact that the Biennale is based around notions of country and nationhood marries well with the individuality and exceptionally high quality of visual arts in Wales'. A steering Committee has also been appointed, with Chair Mike Tooby, commenting that 'Committee is very aware of the significant responsibility that rests on our collective shoulders in choosing who should represent Wales at the Biennale.' The Venice Biennale occurs every two-years, from June to October, and is billed as the 'most established and respected event showcasing numerous world-class visual arts exhibitions, activities and events'.