Low Kee Hong Announced As Artistic Director For 26th Biennale of Sydney

The Biennale of Sydney has appointed internationally acclaimed curator Low Kee Hong as Artistic Director for its 26th edition, with the festival set to return in March 2028 under a vision that promises to stretch well beyond the walls of a traditional gallery.

Currently Creative Director of Factory International in Manchester, Low has built a reputation for bringing together contemporary art with music, architecture, performance, literature and public space. His appointment signals an ambitious direction for Australia’s largest contemporary art event, with organisers saying the 2028 Biennale will place contemporary art at its centre while embracing a wide range of creative disciplines.

Low’s career spans some of the world’s biggest cultural institutions. Before joining Factory International, he was the founding director and general manager of the Singapore Biennale, Artistic Director of the Singapore Arts Festival, Associate Artistic Director of TheatreWorks Singapore, and Head of Theatre and Performing Arts at Hong Kong’s West Kowloon Cultural District Authority.

More recently, he curated Chinese artist Ai Weiwei’s largest-ever site-specific exhibition, Ai Weiwei: Button Up!, and co-created the artist’s first 24-hour durational performance, Sewing a Button.

Announcing the appointment, Low said he was eager to begin working with artists and communities across Australia and the broader region.

“I am thrilled to be joining the Biennale of Sydney as Artistic Director,” he said.

“I believe contemporary art has the power to create encounters that stay with us, to inspire wonder, foster connection and open new possibilities for how we see ourselves and one another.”

Low said his hope was to create “an edition that feels generous”, celebrating joy while inviting audiences “from all walks of life” to take part in the experience.

Biennale of Sydney Chief Executive Officer Barbara Moore said Low’s approach arrives at a moment when audiences are increasingly seeking connection through cultural experiences.

“At a time when people are seeking authentic connection, hope and shared experiences, Kee Hong’s vision offers warmth and kindness, embracing a shared sense of humanity through difference and change,” she said.

NSW Arts Minister John Graham welcomed the appointment, describing Low as someone who has built a career around creating “fun and joyous creative programs” that bring unify communities and cities.

“Over the past 52 years the Biennale of Sydney has changed and enriched our city, the way we engage with art, the way communities come together and the way international visitors explore the city,” said Graham. “I am pleased to welcome their next Artistic Director, Low Kee Hong. He has made a career out of curating fun and joyous creative programs that bring people together, activate unexpected spaces and transforming cities – from Singapore to Hong Kong to Manchester, and next, Sydney.”

The 26th Biennale of Sydney will open to the public on 11 March, 2028.