25th Biennale of Sydney to Return to White Bay Power Station in 2026
Image: biennalesydney/Instagram
The Biennale of Sydney will make its highly anticipated return to White Bay Power Station for its 25th edition, running from 14 March to 14 June 2026.
Following the success of its debut at the historic venue last year, the internationally renowned contemporary art festival is expected to draw thousands of visitors and solidify the site as a premier cultural destination.
NSW Minister for the Arts John Graham welcomed the festival’s return, highlighting the unique setting of White Bay Power Station.
“The White Bay Power Station is a bold canvas for the colour and creativity of the Biennale of Sydney, so it’s great to see it coming back next year,” said Graham.
“It’s so exciting to have this former power station firing for big cultural events. It has the scale to stage big works, stunning backdrops, all centrally located for art lovers around Sydney and beyond.”
First launched in 1973, the Biennale of Sydney has become a significant fixture on the city’s cultural calendar. Last year’s White Bay Power Station event attracted 174,000 attendees, and the 2026 edition is expected to draw more than 27,000 visitors and contribute $18 million to the NSW economy.
White Bay Power Station has “incredible potential”
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the event reinforces the power station’s transformation into a cultural hub.
“The return of the Biennale will further cement White Bay Power Station’s status as a building dedicated to arts and culture,” said Scully.
The NSW Government has invested $100 million in restoring White Bay Power Station, with plans to preserve its role as a long-term arts and creative industries space. Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper emphasised the festival’s role in positioning Sydney as a global arts destination.
“The Biennale of Sydney was the first cultural organisation to bring White Bay Power Station to life, transforming this iconic and historic landmark into a dynamic hub for community events and exhibitions of international calibre. The overwhelming success of the Biennale’s 24th edition showed the incredible potential of this space to inspire, engage, and connect people through a festival of contemporary art, music, and ideas,” said Biennale of Sydney CEO Barbara Moore. “We are proud to return to White Bay Power Station in 2026 for the 25th edition in one of the city’s most exciting new creative precincts.
Artistic Director of the 25th Biennale of Sydney Hoor Al Qasimi said: “The Biennale of Sydney has long been a platform for artists to share their stories, challenge perceptions, and spark dialogue across cultures. As we shape the 25th edition, we are committed to creating a dynamic and inclusive festival of art and ideas that reflects the diversity of contemporary artistic voices. Bruce Johnson McLean’s appointment as the next Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain First Nations Curatorial Fellow is a vital step in this journey, and I look forward to working alongside him and the entire Biennale team to create an edition that is deeply rooted in connection, history, and the transformative power of art.
The full program for the 25th Biennale of Sydney will be disclosed later this year. It promises another bold celebration of contemporary art—and best of all; entry is completely free.
