The Biennale of Sydney has announced its theme for 2026, Rememory, along with the first wave of 37 artists and collectives. Led by artistic curator Hoor Al Qasimi, the largest national contemporary art event of its kind will be presented across the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Campbelltown Arts Centre, Chau Chak Wing Museum at the University of Sydney, Penrith Regional Gallery and the restored White Bay Power Station (with more to be announced).
Hoor Al Qasimi says, “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.”
With a curatorial focus on under-represented narratives, the Biennale will emphasize First Nation voices and Australia’s diaspora communities to inspire audiences to consider how memory and ‘rememory’ shapes the nation’s past and how this can inform the present and the future.
Barbara Moore (chief executive officer, Biennale of Sydney) has 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 first 37 artists and collectives have been announced with the full program to come later this year.
25th Biennale of Sydney: Rememory
Multiple Locations
14 March—14 June 2026
The first 37 artists announced for 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 (Aṉangu 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 (Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands, Australia)
The full 25th Biennale of Sydney program will be announced later this year.