Biennale Of Sydney Announces 2026 Exhibition: Rememory

Sydney, Australia: The Biennale of Sydney has announced the curatorial vision, first wave of 37 artists and collectives, and exhibition locations for the 25th edition, titled Rememory. The major international contemporary art festival will be open free to the public from 14 March to 14 June 2026, presented in various locations across Sydney.

Led by internationally acclaimed curator Artistic Director Hoor Al Qasimi, the 25th Biennale of Sydney: Rememory takes its title from celebrated author Toni Morrison, exploring the intersection of memory and history as a means of revisiting, reconstructing, and reclaiming histories that have been erased or repressed. By engaging with Rememory, artists from across the world and within Australia reflect on their own roots while engaging with Sydney and its surrounding communities and histories, exploring global themes that connect us.

The edition will highlight marginalised narratives, share untold stories, and inspire audiences to rethink how memory shapes identity and belonging, giving voice to stories from Aboriginal communities and the divergent diasporas that shape Australia today. A dedicated program for children and young audiences will provide space and exploration for these stories to be passed on to the next generations.

The largest contemporary art event of its kind in Australia, the 25th Biennale of Sydney will be presented at Art Gallery of New South Wales, Campbelltown Arts Centre, Chau Chak Wing Museum at the University of Sydney, Penrith Regional Gallery and the iconic restored White Bay Power Station, with further details to be announced later this year.

Artistic Director Hoor Al Qasimi said: “Rememory connects the delicate space between remembering and forgetting, delving into the fragmented and forgotten parts of history, where recollection becomes an act of reassembling fragments of the past—whether personal, familial, or collective. Through the defiant act of sharing, seeing, and understanding, the artists and cultural practitioners I’ve invited to participate explore the hidden effects of history and how it continues to shape the present in an evolving and consuming conversation. Rather than focusing on linear storytelling, I hope to highlight how we can become active participants in retelling our collective stories by revisiting and reinterpreting past events.”

Of the 37 artists announced today, 15 First Nations artists from around the world have been commissioned by the Biennale of Sydney with Visionary Partner the Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain to create new work for the 25th edition. These artists include Ángel Poyón, Angélica Serech, Cannupa Hanska Luger, Carmen Glynn-Braun, Edgar Calel, Fernando Poyón, Frank Young & The Kulata Tjuta Project, Gabriel Chaile, Gunybi Ganambarr, John Harvey & Walter Waia, John Prince Siddon, Nancy Yukuwal McDinny, Rose B. Simpson, Tania Willard and Warraba Weatherall. They will work closely with Bruce Johnson McLean, Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain First Nations Curatorial Fellow, to realise their artworks. Johnson McLean is from the Wierdi people of the Birri Gubba Nation.

Al Qasimi’s curatorial approach centres on the histories of each place and multidisciplinary programming, with a collaborative perspective and emphasis on supporting experimentation and innovation in the arts. Over the past 20+ years, she has worked extensively with various mediums including contemporary art, film, music, dance, talks, publications and more, to bring together all forms of art in conversation.

Barbara Moore, Chief Executive Officer, Biennale of Sydney said: “The Biennale of Sydney is a space for discussion, exploration and sharing ideas, presenting innovative work by some of the most impactful contemporary artists of our time. The 25th Biennale of Sydney celebrates the diverse communities of Sydney and their stories, encouraging audiences to think of new ways to engage with history, coming together to create and share memories. Entry to the Biennale of Sydney is free for everyone, and we can’t wait to throw open the doors again next year with an expansive program of art and ideas.”

Minister for Jobs and Tourism, Steve Kamper said: “Biennale of Sydney will be a highlight of the NSW major events calendar next year and a significant visitor drawcard for our city. It will spotlight Sydney as a global cultural hub where art and creativity is celebrated, and a place where locals and visitors can enjoy the most exciting and cutting-edge cultural experiences. As one of the world’s longest running biennales, next year’s theme of Rememory is an important reflection of Sydney’s rich and diverse cultural history and a fantastic opportunity to showcase that history to visitors from across the nation and around the world.”

Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain First Nations Curatorial Fellow Bruce Johnson Mclean said: “It’s a privilege to work alongside this remarkable group of First Nations artists from across the globe, each bringing powerful, place-based perspectives to the 25th Biennale of Sydney. Together, their practices speak to deep cultural knowledge, ancestral memory and contemporary experience, creating a dynamic dialogue that transcends borders. Through this collaboration, we aim to foster connections between communities here and around the world.”

Béatrice Grenier, Director of Strategic Projects and International Programs at Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain said: “The Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain is proud to continue its partnership with the Biennale of Sydney. We are honoured to collaborate with Artistic Director Hoor Al Qasimi and the Biennale team for the 25th edition, Rememory to realise bold new commissions that speak powerfully to the interconnectedness of memory, place, and identity.”

Arts worker, creative producer, and mentor Claudia Chidiac and writer, educator, cultural worker, and creative producer Paula Abood have been appointed as Community Ambassadors for the 2026 edition. They will provide specialist advice on local community engagement in the Greater Western Sydney area and liaise on behalf of the Biennale of Sydney between different cultural groups and organisations.

The first 37 artists and collectives announced today as part of the 25th Biennale of Sydney (2026) are:

Abdul Abdullah (Australia / Thailand)
Ángel Poyón (Maya Kaqchikel, Guatemala)
Angélica Serech (Maya Kaqchikel, Guatemala)
Bouchra Khalili (Morocco / Austria)
CAMP (India)
Cannupa Hanska Luger (Standing Rock Indian Reservation, North Dakota / New Mexico, USA)
Carmen Glynn-Braun (Kaytetye, Arrernte, Anmatyerr, Australia)
Chang En Man (Paiwan, Taiwan)
Chen Chieh-jen (Taiwan R.O.C.)
Daisy Quezada Ureña (USA)
Decolonizing Art Architecture Project (DAAR) (Palestine)
Deirdre O'Mahony (Ireland)
Dennis Golding (Kamilaroi/Gamilaraay, Australia)
Dread Scott (USA)
Edgar Calel (Kaqchikel, Guatemala)
Elverina Johnson (Yarrabah, Australia)
Ema Shin (Japan / Australia)
Fernando Poyón (Maya Kaqchikel, Guatemala)
Frank Young & The Kulata Tjuta Project (Aangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands, Australia)
Gabriel Chaile (Argentina / Lisbon)
Gunybi Ganambarr (Yolŋu (Ŋaymil) people, Australia)  
John Harvey (Kalaw Kawaw Ya/Saibai Island, Torres Strait, Australia) & Walter Waia (Kalaw Kawaw Ya/Saibai Island, Torres Strait, Australia)
John Prince Siddon (Walmajarri, Australia)
Kapwani Kiwanga (Canada / France)
Lamia Joreige (Lebanon)
Marian Abboud (Australia)
Maritea Dæhlin (Norway / Mexico)
Merilyn Fairskye (Australia) & Michiel Dolk (Netherlands / Australia)
Michael Rakowitz (USA)
Nancy Yukuwal McDinny (Garrwa / Yanyuwa, Australia)
Rose B. Simpson (Santa Clara Pueblo, USA)
Tania Willard (Secwepemcúlecw, Canada)
Taysir Batniji (Gaza, Palestine / France)
Tuan Andrew Nguyen (Vietnam / USA)
Warraba Weatherall (Kamilaroi, Australia)
Wendy Hubert (Yindjibarndi Country, Australia)
Yaritji Young (Aangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands, Australia)

The full 25th Biennale of Sydney program, including the full list of participating artists, will be announced later this year.

Currently on display at the Sydney Opera House, and marking the second year of a creative collaboration between the Opera House, Biennale of Sydney and the Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain, Badu Gili: Healing Spirit illuminates the world-famous Bennelong sails. The dynamic projection displays the works of celebrated First Nations artists, the late Bidjigal Elder Esme Timbery and two of her children, Marilyn Russell and Steven Russell, and artist Joseca Mokahesi Yanomami of the Yanomami people, appearing on the Opera House’s Eastern Bennelong sails six times a night from sunset.

Key Dates for the 25th Biennale of Sydney (2026)
10 March 2026: Media Preview
11 - 13 March 2026: Vernissage (Professional Preview)
14 March – 14 June 2026: 25th Biennale of Sydney open to the public

Admission is free.
For further information on the Biennale of Sydney, please visit biennaleofsydney.art.

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