Sydney Biennale Goes Online After Coronavirus Closure
The 2020 Biennale of Sydney, titled NIRIN (meaning 'edge' in Wiradjuri), opened on March 14 but was forced to close just 10 days later due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event features 101 artists and collectives with 700 works across multiple Sydney venues. In response, the Biennale announced a partnership with Google Arts & Culture to create a virtual edition with live content, virtual walk-throughs, podcasts, interactive Q&As, and curated tours. The organization stated it remains committed to artists and communities by shifting to a digital program. This marks the first major international biennial to go fully virtual amid the global health crisis.
Key facts
- Biennale of Sydney 2020 opened March 14, closed March 24 due to COVID-19
- Title NIRIN means 'edge' in Wiradjuri language
- 101 artists and collectives, 700 works across multiple Sydney sites
- Partnership with Google Arts & Culture for virtual edition
- Virtual program includes live content, walk-throughs, podcasts, Q&As, tours
- Founded in 1973, focuses on First Nations artists and cross-cultural dialogue
- Biennale statement: 'Our doors close in Sydney and open online for everyone'
- First major international biennial to go fully virtual
Entities
Institutions
- Biennale of Sydney
- Google Arts & Culture
- Artribune
Locations
- Sydney
- Australia
- New South Wales