Lyon Biennale postponed to 2022 due to pandemic

The 16th edition of the Lyon Biennale, originally scheduled for 2021, has been postponed to September 2022 due to the ongoing health emergency. The decision was made in agreement with newly appointed curators Sam Bardaouil and Till Fellrath, selected by artistic director Isabella Bertolotti, who took over after the resignation of co-founder Thierry Raspail. Bertolotti emphasized that a biennial is not merely an exhibition but a structured event embedded in a broader social, economic, and political context, requiring extensive preparation including residencies, partnerships with non-profit sectors, and corporate collaborations. The postponement was necessary to ensure the quality of the event, as the pandemic has slowed direct contact with artists and the development of residencies and productions. The 2019 edition, Bertolotti's first as director, built on Raspail's legacy and included eight associated exhibitions, a young artists' show, 15 projects with local residents, and over 40 projects with industrial companies. Despite the delay, Bertolotti confirmed the Biennale will not become a triennial, as the same team also manages the Dance Biennale in alternating years.