Karachi Biennale Cancels Fifth Edition Over Regional War Conditions
On October 9, the Karachi Biennale's organizers revealed they would not hold the fifth edition, originally scheduled for January 16 to 31, 2027. They pointed to "war conditions in the region" as well as logistical challenges as the main reasons for this cancellation. Curator Noor Ahmed shared her sadness about the decision, mentioning she wasn’t consulted. This edition, named "Kal (Yesterday/Tomorrow)," had been in development for 13 months and involved over 100 artists and three co-curators. Since its inception in 2017, the biennale has grown to be Pakistan's largest contemporary art event, showcasing 841 artists from 50 countries and attracting around 50,000 visitors. The 2027 program focused on Karachi's environmental and socio-political issues.
Key facts
- The Karachi Biennale's fifth edition, scheduled for January 16–31, 2027, was canceled
- The cancellation was announced on October 9 via Instagram and the organization's website
- Organizers cited "war conditions prevailing in the region and the resultant logistical constraints and incertitude"
- Curator Noor Ahmed called the decision "unilateral" and said she was not consulted in advance
- The 2027 edition was titled "Kal (Yesterday/Tomorrow)" in Urdu and English
- Ahmed spent 13 months assembling over 100 artists and creative practitioners plus three co-curators, two international and one Pakistan-based
- The Karachi Biennale Trust's flagship project launched its inaugural exhibition in 2017
- The organization reports engaging 841 artists from 50 countries and about 50,000 in-person visitors over the past decade
Entities
Artists
- Noor Ahmed
- Yixuan Zhang
- Atteqa Malik
- Dostain Baloch
- Martina Huber
- Tara Al Dughaither
Institutions
- Karachi Biennale
- Karachi Biennale Trust
- Dawn
- Hyperallergic
- ArtAsiaPacific
- Lahore Biennale
- International Biennial Association
- Images
- Arab News
Locations
- Karachi
- Pakistan
- Lahore
- Saudi Arabia
- Iran
- Yemen
- Persian Gulf
- Arabian Sea
- Europe
Sources
- Inside Art —
- ArtReview —
- Art Asia Pacific —
- Artslife —