The Biennale is back: Sydney’s arts festival returns with A Journey Through Memory

Sydney is about to transform into a living, breathing canvas of memory. The 25th Biennale of Sydney is returning from 14 March to 14 June 2026, and it promises to be one of the most poignant cultural events on the calendar.

Under the artistic direction of the internationally acclaimed Hoor Al Qasimi, this edition is titled Rememory. Taking its name from the work of celebrated author Toni Morrison, the festival dives deep into the intersection of memory and history. It isn’t just about looking back; it’s about revisiting, reconstructing, and reclaiming the stories that shape who we are today.

Whether you are a dedicated art lover or just looking for a unique weekend activity, this festival offers a chance to see the world through a different lens. With free entry and a massive footprint across the city, there has never been a better time to immerse yourself in contemporary art.

What is ‘Rememory’?

At its heart, Rememory is an exploration of how we remember. It asks us to consider whose stories get told and whose get forgotten. Artistic Director Hoor Al Qasimi describes memory as something living—where history informs the present.

The artists involved in this edition are digging into their own roots. They are amplifying marginalised narratives, sharing untold stories from First Nations communities, and exploring the divergent diasporas that make up modern Australia. By bringing these fragmented histories together, the Biennale invites us all to engage with memory not just as a record of the past, but as a space of possibility for the future.

Exploring the venues

One of the best things about the Biennale is how it activates the city. This year, the festival expands its reach across five major exhibition sites, making art accessible from the harbour to Western Sydney.

The Major Hubs

• White Bay Power Station: The industrial cathedral returns as a central hub, hosting large-scale installations and the vibrant opening night.
• Art Gallery of New South Wales: A classic venue for contemporary masterpieces.
• Museum of Contemporary Art Australia: Located at Circular Quay, perfect for a harbourside art fix.
• Chau Chak Wing Museum: Situated at the University of Sydney, blending history, science, and art.
• Campbelltown Arts Centre & Lewers (Penrith Regional Gallery): Key venues ensuring the cultural conversation extends deep into Western Sydney.

Beyond these main sites, the program spills out into the streets and community halls. You might stumble upon art and performance in places like Blouza Hall in Granville, Marrickville Town Hall, or the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence in Redfern.

Artworks you need to see

With 83 artists and collectives from 37 countries, the scale of this exhibition is immense. Here are a few highlights that are set to steal the show.

The Ngurrara Canvas II

This is a rare and powerful opportunity. Presented at the Art Gallery of NSW, this 80-square-metre floor canvas is one of the most spectacular Aboriginal paintings ever made. Created in 1997 by Ngurrara artists from the Great Sandy Desert to demonstrate their connection to country for a Native Title claim, this will be its final presentation away from Country. Traditional owners will even travel to Sydney for a special performance.

Gabriel Chaile’s Clay Oven

At White Bay Power Station, Argentinian artist Gabriel Chaile is building a monumental adobe clay oven. But this isn’t just a sculpture to look at; it’s designed to bring people together. Exploring the relationship between food and community, the oven will be fired up during the opening weekend to feed visitors, collaborating with Sydney’s Andina Peruvian Cuisine.

The Howl of the Dingo

Also at White Bay Power Station, artist Cannupa Hanska Luger is giving a voice to our animal kin. His sound installation features ceramic whistles shaped like the threatened native dingo. The result is a haunting howl that echoes through the industrial space, acting as a vessel for First Nations voices and a reminder of our impact on the natural world.

Tabbouleh as Resistance

Over at Blouza Hall in Granville, Lebanese artist Mounira Al Solh is turning food preparation into performance art. On 15 March, she will create a massive vat of tabbouleh to share with attendees. It’s a delicious exploration of gathering, food rituals, and cultural resistance.

A focus on First Nations

A major feature of this year’s edition is the strong focus on First Nations voices. The Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain has partnered with the Biennale to commission 15 First Nations artists from around the globe.

Guided by First Nations Curatorial Fellow Bruce Johnson McLean, artists like Gunybi Ganambarr, Rose B. Simpson, and the Kulata Tjuta Project are creating new works that speak directly to the themes of land, memory, and survival. It is a powerful testament to the global connections between Indigenous cultures.

The public programme

The art is just the beginning. The Rememory public program is packed with events designed to bring the community together.

• Lights On (13 March): The opening night concert at White Bay Power Station kicks things off with a bang. Expect performances from Brooklyn-based DJ Haram and local legends like Maz and the Baile Funk collective INBRAZA Baile.
• Memory Lane Food Markets: Every weekend at White Bay Power Station, these markets celebrate food as living memory. It’s the perfect spot to grab a bite that tells a story of migration, family, and identity.
• RESET by Richard Bell: This large-scale project invites the public to discuss a new constitutional model for the future, culminating in a major event at Sydney Town Hall in June.
• Art After Dark: Every Friday evening, White Bay Power Station stays open late for curated programs of music, art, and food.

Why you need to go

The Biennale of Sydney is more than just an art exhibition; it is a conversation starter. It challenges us to think about where we come from and where we are going. It brings together diverse voices—from the Western Desert of Australia to the streets of Lebanon—and places them side by side.

Best of all, it is free. Whether you spend a whole day exploring the White Bay Power Station or just pop into the Art Gallery of NSW for an hour, you are part of something global and significant.

So, mark your calendars for March 2026. Come with an open mind, bring your friends, and get ready to experience memory in a whole new way.

What to know

• Dates: 14 March – 14 June 2026
• Entry: Free
• Locations: White Bay Power Station, Art Gallery of NSW, MCA, Campbelltown Arts Centre, and more.
• More Info: Visit the Biennale of Sydney website for the full program.