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Biennale of Sydney 2026 Returns With Rememory – A City-Wide Celebration of Contemporary Art

  • Writer: Deb Carr
    Deb Carr
  • 19 hours ago
  • 2 min read

A diverse group of people stands on a staircase in an industrial setting at Biennale Sydney
Photograph: Daniel Boud

Sydney’s most significant contemporary art event is set to return in 2026, with the Biennale of Sydney  announcing its 25th edition, Rememory — a powerful, city-wide exhibition presented free to the public from 14 March to 14 June 2026.


Curated by internationally acclaimed Artistic Director Hoor Al Qasimi, Rememory takes its name from author Toni Morrison and explores how memory, history and lived experience shape identity, belonging and cultural inheritance. The exhibition brings together artists from Australia and around the world, creating work that reflects on personal, collective and often marginalised histories while engaging directly with Sydney and its communities.


Five major venues across Sydney

The 2026 Biennale will unfold across five major exhibition sites, expanding its footprint and accessibility across Greater Sydney:

  • White Bay Power Station

  • Art Gallery of New South Wales

  • Chau Chak Wing Museum (University of Sydney)

  • Campbelltown Arts Centre

  • Lewers: Penrith Regional Gallery


This expanded reach reflects a deliberate focus on inclusivity, particularly across Western Sydney, with additional public programs and performances taking place in inner-city and suburban locations throughout the season.


What to expect at Biennale of Sydney

Audiences can expect a mix of large-scale installations, site-specific works, performance, sound, film and participatory projects, with more than 80 artists and collectives from over 35 countries taking part in the 2026 edition.


A strong emphasis has been placed on First Nations voices and global Indigenous perspectives, alongside artists whose work explores migration, memory, resistance, food, ritual and community. Many works are designed to evolve over time, encouraging repeat visits rather than a single viewing.


Opening events and public programs

The Biennale will open with Lights On, a major opening night event at White Bay Power Station on Friday 13 March 2026, featuring live music, performance and after-dark exhibition access.


Across the opening weekend and throughout the three-month season, visitors can attend artist talks, performances, family programs, food-based activations and late-night art events, reinforcing the Biennale’s reputation as one of Sydney’s most dynamic and accessible cultural experiences.


Why it matters

Now in its 25th edition, the Biennale of Sydney remains the largest contemporary art festival of its kind in Australia, and one of the few major international art events that is completely free. It continues to play a vital role in shaping Sydney’s cultural identity, inviting both locals and visitors to engage with ideas that challenge, reflect and connect.


For those who remember past editions — launches, late-night openings, and unexpected encounters with art across the city — Rememory promises another moment where Sydney becomes the exhibition itself.


For full artist lists, venue details and program updates, visit the official website at biennaleofsydney.art 


 
 
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