22nd Biennale of Sydney re-opens with extended dates

The Biennale of Sydney will reopen NIRIN, its 22nd edition from 16 June.The exhibition opened to unprecedented acclaim in March 2020 but, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, closed to the public after only 10 days.

Under the artistic direction of acclaimed Indigenous Australian artist, Brook Andrew, this year’s Biennale, which is artist- and First Nations-led, showcases more than 700 artworks by 101 artists and collectives from around the world.

Following an announcement by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian that museums and galleries will be permitted to reopen in June, the Biennale of Sydney rallied partner arts organisations to extend the exhibition period for NIRIN. The free contemporary art exhibition presented across greater Sydney was previously scheduled to conclude on 8 June 2020.

Barbara Moore, Chief Executive Officer, Biennale of Sydney said: ‘Now, more than ever, we need art to connect, collaborate and heal – all core themes of NIRIN. Reopening the 22nd Biennale of Sydney with extended exhibition dates gives people an opportunity to enjoy some of the best contemporary art from around the world, and there is no better way to do that than through a physical experience.’

The 22nd Biennale of Sydney will be open free to the public from 16 June to 6 September 2020. Exhibition dates at each venue are as follows:

● Art Gallery of New South Wales 1 June – 27 September 2020

● Artspace 1 June – 27 September 2020

● Campbelltown Arts Centre 1 June – 11 October 2020

● Cockatoo Island 16 June – 6 September 2020

● Museum of Contemporary Art Australia 16 June – 6 September 2020 (closing date TBC)

During this unprecedented time, the Biennale of Sydney found new ways to support artists and audiences, reaching more than 600,000 people through digital programming. Over 45% of the Biennale’s digital audience is international, and over 25% are under 35. NIRIN WIR – the Biennale’s program public events – is postponed until further notice, but the digital program which has demonstrated strong engagement will continue.

Take a Digital Tour of the Biennale of Sydney with this review by Jennifer Higgie in Frieze Magazine

Image: Noŋgirrŋa Marawili, 2019, installation view, 22nd Biennale of Sydney, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Sydney. Courtesy: 22nd Biennale of Sydney; photograph: Zan Wimberley.