We are thrilled to announce the first details of the 25th Biennale of Sydney, taking place from 14 March – 14 June 2026, across historic sites, museums and gallery spaces. This next edition promises to be an extraordinary celebration of contemporary art, featuring bold new commissions, a thought-provoking exhibition, programming that is by, with and for community, and a continued commitment to platforming First Nations voices.

Bruce Johnson McLean. Photograph: Daniel Boud.
White Bay Power Station. Photograph: Brett Boardman.
Legs on the Wall. EDGE Inner West, White Bay Power Station, 2024. Photograph: Fancy Boy Photography.

As part of our ongoing partnership with Visionary Partner, Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain, we’re proud to welcome Bruce Johnson McLean as the new Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain First Nations Curatorial Fellow. A leading voice in First Nations art and culture, a member of the Wierdi people of Wribpid, Bruce brings over 25 years of experience as a curator, writer, and advisor. He will build on the remarkable work of Kuku Yalanji man Tony Albert, the inaugural Fellow in 2024, working closely with artists to develop ambitious projects for the upcoming Biennale.

The Biennale of Sydney will also return to White Bay Power Station, after successfully launching Sydney’s newest arts and cultural venue in 2024. The last edition saw over 777,000 visitors across six venues, with White Bay Power Station alone welcoming more than 173,000 visitors—making it the most attended non-museum site in the Biennale’s history!

The Biennale of Sydney and Inner West Council have renewed their partnership for the 2026 edition, with a dedicated focus on activating White Bay Power Station as a dynamic cultural venue. Through this partnership, the Biennale aims to deepen connections between international and local voices, fostering new artistic exchanges and engagement with Sydney’s creative communities.

Biennale of Sydney CEO Barbara Moore shared her excitement:
“We are proud to return to White Bay Power Station in 2026 for the 25th Biennale of Sydney, in one of the city’s most exciting new creative precincts. The Biennale has always been a platform for bold artistic expression and meaningful cultural exchange, and we can’t wait to share more soon.”

25th edition Artistic Director Hoor Al Qasimi echoed this excitement, saying:
“The Biennale of Sydney has long been a space for artists to share their stories and challenge perceptions. Bruce Johnson McLean’s appointment as First Nations Curatorial Fellow is an important step in shaping an edition deeply rooted in connection, and the transformative power of art.”

The 25th edition will continue to build upon the Biennale’s mission of bringing together global perspectives and fostering new artistic dialogues. We can’t wait to reveal more about the curatorial vision, artists, and program in the coming months.

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