In a significant development for the global art scene, Hoor Al Qasimi, President of The Africa Institute, Global Studies University, has been appointed as the Artistic Director of the prestigious 25th Biennale of Sydney, scheduled to take place from 7 March to 8 June 2026. Al Qasimi will collaborate with local communities, artists and academics, whilst drawing on her international network, to develop and realize the concept of the Biennale.
Al-Qasimi is also the President and Director of Sharjah Art Foundation and has been the Director of Sharjah Biennial since 2002 and curator of its 15th edition last year. In 2017 she was appointed as the President of the International Biennial Association (IBA) and also serves as the President and Director of the Sharjah Architecture Triennial. She has been the director of the Sharjah Biennial since 2002, an internationally recognised platform for contemporary artists, curators and cultural producers, and curated the critically acclaimed Sharjah Biennial 15 in 2023.
Al Qasimi was appointed as the Artistic Director of the sixth Aichi Triennale (2025), becoming the first person to be chosen for the role from outside of Japan. She has also co-curated exhibitions at leading organisations around the world, including the Serpentine Gallery in London and the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago.
‘It is an honor and privilege to be nominated and then selected to be the Artistic Director of the 25th Biennale of Sydney, which I have been visiting for over a decade now. 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. 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… 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,” said Hoor Al-Qasimi.
Al Qasimi’s curatorial approach centres on the histories of each place and multidisciplinary programming, with a collaborative approach and emphasis on supporting experimentation and innovation in the arts. Over the past 20+ years, she has worked extensively with various mediums including film, music, dance, talks, publications and more, to bring together all forms of art in conversation. For the 25th Biennale of Sydney (2026), Al Qasimi will collaborate with local communities, artists and academics, whilst drawing on her own international network, to develop and realise the concept for the 2026 edition.
Barbara Moore, Chief Executive Officer, Biennale of Sydney said, “We are thrilled to welcome Hoor Al Qasimi as the Artistic Director for our 25th edition. 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.”
“Under Hoor Al Qasimi’s curatorial leadership, the Biennale of Sydney is poised to embark on an exciting new chapter of collaboration and immersive artistic expression. As we develop the entire Biennale program with her over the coming two years, we look forward to witnessing Al Qasimi’s transformative vision unfold in 2026, enriching our diverse cultural landscape and fostering connections that transcend borders of the highest international calibre, for locals and visitors alike. With her unparalleled expertise and commitment to championing emerging voices in the arts, Al Qasimi will undoubtedly deliver a program that feels inspiring and welcoming for people to attend,” added Kate Mills, Chairman, Biennale of Sydney.
While John Graham, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, and Minister for Tourism shared, “The Biennale of Sydney is an important celebration of international contemporary art that puts Sydney in the spotlight on the world stage. I look forward to seeing Hoor Al Qaismi’s creative vision brought to life in 25th Biennale of Sydney in 2026. The NSW Government is proud to continue to support this important event on our city’s creative calendar.”
The Biennale of Sydney is a leading international contemporary art event. It plays an indispensable role in Australia’s engagement with the world, and a meaningful role in the life of the nation. For almost 50 years, the Biennale has been a unifying force in the Australian arts sector, embedding boldly creative art exhibitions and experiences in the everyday life of Sydney and putting the artistic excellence of Australia front and centre on the world stage. The Biennale of Sydney has commissioned and presented exceptional works of art by more than 1900 national and international artists from more than 130 countries. With free admission to its exhibitions, the Biennale of Sydney is committed to free access for all. Click here to visit their website to learn more.
In a significant development for the global art scene, Hoor Al Qasimi, President of The Africa Institute, Global Studies University, has been appointed as the Artistic Director of the prestigious 25th Biennale of Sydney, scheduled to take place from 7 March to 8 June 2026. Al Qasimi will collaborate with local communities, artists and academics, whilst drawing on her international network, to develop and realize the concept of the Biennale.
In a significant development for the global art scene, Hoor Al Qasimi, President of The Africa Institute, Global Studies University, has been appointed as the Artistic Director of the prestigious 25th Biennale of Sydney, scheduled to take place from 7 March to 8 June 2026. Al Qasimi will collaborate with local communities, artists and academics, whilst drawing on her international network, to develop and realize the concept of the Biennale.
Al-Qasimi is also the President and Director of Sharjah Art Foundation and has been the Director of Sharjah Biennial since 2002 and curator of its 15th edition last year. In 2017 she was appointed as the President of the International Biennial Association (IBA) and also serves as the President and Director of the Sharjah Architecture Triennial. She has been the director of the Sharjah Biennial since 2002, an internationally recognised platform for contemporary artists, curators and cultural producers, and curated the critically acclaimed Sharjah Biennial 15 in 2023.
Al Qasimi was appointed as the Artistic Director of the sixth Aichi Triennale (2025), becoming the first person to be chosen for the role from outside of Japan. She has also co-curated exhibitions at leading organisations around the world, including the Serpentine Gallery in London and the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago.
‘It is an honor and privilege to be nominated and then selected to be the Artistic Director of the 25th Biennale of Sydney, which I have been visiting for over a decade now. 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. 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… 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,” said Hoor Al-Qasimi.
Al Qasimi’s curatorial approach centres on the histories of each place and multidisciplinary programming, with a collaborative approach and emphasis on supporting experimentation and innovation in the arts. Over the past 20+ years, she has worked extensively with various mediums including film, music, dance, talks, publications and more, to bring together all forms of art in conversation. For the 25th Biennale of Sydney (2026), Al Qasimi will collaborate with local communities, artists and academics, whilst drawing on her own international network, to develop and realise the concept for the 2026 edition.
Barbara Moore, Chief Executive Officer, Biennale of Sydney said, “We are thrilled to welcome Hoor Al Qasimi as the Artistic Director for our 25th edition. 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.”
“Under Hoor Al Qasimi’s curatorial leadership, the Biennale of Sydney is poised to embark on an exciting new chapter of collaboration and immersive artistic expression. As we develop the entire Biennale program with her over the coming two years, we look forward to witnessing Al Qasimi’s transformative vision unfold in 2026, enriching our diverse cultural landscape and fostering connections that transcend borders of the highest international calibre, for locals and visitors alike. With her unparalleled expertise and commitment to championing emerging voices in the arts, Al Qasimi will undoubtedly deliver a program that feels inspiring and welcoming for people to attend,” added Kate Mills, Chairman, Biennale of Sydney.
While John Graham, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, and Minister for Tourism shared, “The Biennale of Sydney is an important celebration of international contemporary art that puts Sydney in the spotlight on the world stage. I look forward to seeing Hoor Al Qaismi’s creative vision brought to life in 25th Biennale of Sydney in 2026. The NSW Government is proud to continue to support this important event on our city’s creative calendar.”
The Biennale of Sydney is a leading international contemporary art event. It plays an indispensable role in Australia’s engagement with the world, and a meaningful role in the life of the nation. For almost 50 years, the Biennale has been a unifying force in the Australian arts sector, embedding boldly creative art exhibitions and experiences in the everyday life of Sydney and putting the artistic excellence of Australia front and centre on the world stage. The Biennale of Sydney has commissioned and presented exceptional works of art by more than 1900 national and international artists from more than 130 countries. With free admission to its exhibitions, the Biennale of Sydney is committed to free access for all. Click here to visit their website to learn more.
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