The 22nd edition of the Biennale of Sydney called NIRIN is set to reopen this June.
Now that many museums and galleries have been permitted to reopen, the event will officially recommence on June 16.
The Biennale of Sydney rallied, following NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announcement that many coronavirus-related social-distancing restrictions will ease from June 1. It connected with partner arts organisation to extending the exhibition period for NIRIN. Now the free art series will run across the greater Sydney area on new dates: from June 16 to September 6 2020.
The original event was set to conclude on 8 June, but with many venues and art galleries forced to shut their doors early this year, the Biennale of Sydney had to postpone.
NIRIN is now one of the most exciting editions of the Biennale, a highly anticipated and renewed celebration of contemporary art. The exhibition opened to unprecedented acclaim in March, but then closed to the public after only 10 days. Social-distancing restrictions and the closure of many spaces has given us breathing room to understand the true value of the arts and creative industries. For many, including the team at RUSSH, we couldn't be more relieved and excited to welcome the reopening of this event.
Under the artistic direction of acclaimed Indigenous Australian artist, Brook Andrew, this year’s Biennale will showcase more than 700 artworks by 101 artists and collectives from around the world.
Barbara Moore, CEO of the Biennale of Sydney said, "now, more than ever, we need art to connect, collaborate and heal – all core themes of NIRIN. Reopening the 22nd Biennale of Sydney with extended exhibition dates gives people an opportunity to enjoy some of the best contemporary art from around the world, and there is no better way to do that than through a physical experience.
"Audiences will be able to see Wiradjuri artist Karla Dickens’ powerful installation in the vestibule of the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Visitors can immerse themselves in Gamilaroi/Gomeroi Murri Yinah artist Barbara McGrady’s extensive photographic archive at Campbelltown Arts Centre and Tennant Creek Brio’s dynamic series of paintings at Artspace.
"At the MCA, video works by Aziz Hazara and Erkan Özgen can be experienced as the artists envisaged them, and visitors to Cockatoo Island will have the complete sensory experience of Ibrahim Mahama’s large scale installation in the Turbine Hall. There is so much more to experience, and there is plenty of time to see it all."
Exhibition dates and the list of venues include:
- Art Gallery of New South Wales: June 1 – September 27 2020
- Artspace: June 1 – September 27 2020
- Campbelltown Arts Centre: June 1 – October 11 2020
- Cockatoo Island: June 16 – September 6 2020
- Museum of Contemporary Art Australia: June 16 – September 6 2020
If it makes sense for you, this is an important time for all of us to get out and support the arts. Visit a Biennale cultural space and experience NIRIN for yourself.
The Biennale’s programmed public events is postponed in line with event social distancing restrictions, but the digital program will continue. So even if you can't make it out to a gallery, you can still connect with the Biennale online.
Creativity finds a way.
