25th Biennale of Sydney Artistic Director Hoor Al Qasimi. Photo by Dan Boud.
Past exhibition curated by Hoor Al Qasimi: Helina Metaferia, The Willing, 2023. Produced by Sharjah Art Foundation. Performance view: Sharjah Biennial 15, Arts Square, 2023. Image courtesy of Sharjah Art Foundation. Photo: Shanavas Jamaluddin
The Biennale of Sydney has announced Hoor Al Qasimi as the artistic director of the 25th Biennale of Sydney, which will take place from 7 March—8 June 2026.
Al Qasimi, an esteemed curator and Emirati royalty, is the first Arab curator appointed and the eighth woman. Her curatorial background is extensive—president and director of Sharjah Art Foundation, Director of Sharjah Biennial since 2002, and artistic director of the sixth Aichi Triennale (2025).
“It is an honour and privilege to be nominated and then selected to be Artistic Director of the 25th Biennale of Sydney,” she says. “I have seen the developments over the years, including the amplification of Indigenous voices both local and global, which has made it an essential platform for rewriting art history.”
For the 25th edition of the Biennale, Al Qasimi plans to collaborate with local communities and artists, while also drawing from her international connections. “Sydney has a multicultural community at its core, with people from different cultures from across the world choosing and calling this vibrant city as their home,” she says. “I’m interested in exploring the multifaceted cultures and perspectives within this city, working with local artists and communities, as well as bringing new voices to the Biennale.”
Barbara Moore, chief executive officer of the Biennale of Sydney has said of the Al Qasimi’s appointment: “Al Qasimi’s profound dedication to fostering international artistic and cultural exchange and her visionary approach to curatorial practice make her the perfect fit to lead the artistic direction of the Biennale of Sydney. Her commitment to amplifying diverse voices and engaging with local communities aligns seamlessly with our mission to create a platform where art brings people together to connect and learn from each other in meaningful ways.”
The 25th Biennale of Sydney will take place from 7 March—8 June 2026.
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