Brent Biennial Emerges as Pandemic-Adapted Community Art Initiative in London Borough

Launched in mid-September 2020, the first Brent Biennial emerged as a visual arts initiative, gaining traction after the pandemic led to the cancellation of larger events. Artistic director Lois Stonock remarked that the event would not have happened without COVID-19, prompting a reevaluation of the initial Borough of Culture plans. The biennial featured ten community commissions and library-based projects. Among the contributions, John Rogers created an audio piece accessible via QR code in Kensal Rise, while Ruth Beale placed 500 memorial books at Kilburn Library. Pio Abad produced murals using local materials, and Abbas Zahedi crafted 'Soul Refresher,' a pink soda promoting inclusivity. David Blandy also designed a role-playing game for youth centers. Operating with limited visibility, the biennial will run until January 2021, with Beale's books returning to the library system.