The Biennale of Sydney – the third oldest biennial in the world after Venice and São Paulo and largest exhibition of its kind in Australia – has launched its 22nd edition, taking place from 14 March – 18 June 2020. Titled NIRIN, the 2020 edition should have presented a diverse range of contemporary artworks spanning from video and photography to installations and performances, across six different venues in Sydney. but due to the COVID-19 pandemic the 22nd Biennale of Sydney: NIRIN moves to digital experience.

Read here statement from the team of the Biennale of Sydney :

For nearly 50 years, the Biennale of Sydney has presented some of the most dynamic contemporary art from around the globe in iconic venues across Sydney. This year’s exhibition, titled NIRIN and meaning ‘edge’ in Wiradjuri, is an artist- and First Nations-led biennale showcasing more than 700 artworks by 101 artists and collectives. A global platform for diverse cultures and perspectives, the Biennale unites people across the world, stimulating dialogue and inspiring change. The COVID-19 pandemic and potential impact on the safety of our visitors, artists, staff and wider community remains our top priority. And so, in line with the latest advice from Government authorities, the Biennale of Sydney is closing its public exhibitions from Tuesday, 24 March 2020 until further notice. We will continue to adapt and innovate in the face of this global crisis. Our doors close across Sydney, and they will open online – for everyone, everywhere across the world. We remain steadfastly committed to the artists and communities we serve by moving to a digital program. Working with long-time Biennale partner Google – and in a first for the Biennale of Sydney – audiences around the world will be able to engage with NIRIN on the Google Arts & Culture platform. Creating a virtual Biennale will bring the exhibition and programs to life through live content, virtual walkthroughs, podcasts, interactive Q&As, curated tours and artist takeovers. At times like these, it is more important than ever that we find ways to connect, to help each other, listen, collaborate and heal – all core themes of NIRIN. The Biennale remains artist-led and will allow our artists to lead the way in responding to the urgent social, political, and environmental issues we are facing today. We are shifting to digital programs, sharing more in coming weeks. We look forward to welcoming you back to the physical exhibition when our Government authorities deem it safe to reopen. Until then, we encourage everyone to look after one another during this challenging time, and when you go looking for connections in isolation, engage online.

The 33 artists, creatives and collectives who will participate in the 22nd Biennale of Sydney are: Tony Albert, Maria Thereza Alves, Lhola Amira, Sammy Baloji, Huma Bhabha, Blacktown Native Institution, Eric Bridgeman, Anna Boghiguian, Victoria Santa Cruz, Léuli Eshrãghi, Jes Fan, Nicholas Galanin, Fátima Rodrigo Gonzales, Lawrence Abu Hamdan, Arthur Jafa, Hannah Catherine Jones, Bronwyn Katz, Mayunkiki, Kylie Kwong, Barbara McGrady, Ibrahim Mahama, Teresa Margolles, Misheck Masamvu, Katarina Matiasek, Jota Mombaça, Prof Zanele Muholi, The Mulka Project, S.J Norman, Taqralik Partridge, Laure Prouvost, Lisa Reihana, Latai Taumoepeau, Gina Athena Ulysse 

biennaleofsydney.art