SYDNEY.- The Biennale of Sydney has today announced the curatorial vision and first 39 artists for the 24th edition, titled Ten Thousand Suns. This major international contemporary art festival will be open to the public from 9 March to 10 June 2024, presented in various locations across Sydney.

Led by Artistic Directors Cosmin Costinaș and Inti Guerrero, the 24th Biennale of Sydney proposes celebration as both a method and a source of joy, produced in common and broadly shared. With an exhibition of contemporary art at its core, the event will draw inspiration from histories of queer resistance and of coming- together to thrive in the face of injustice.

In partnership with Phoenix Central Park, a program of contemporary music will be presented alongside the exhibition, responding to the works on display and complementing Costinaș and Guerrero’s theme. Expanding beyond its multi-award-winning, architecturally celebrated home in Chippendale, Sydney, audiences can expect Phoenix's widely-appreciated curatorial footprint to be translated to exciting new locations, with a line-up of bold and performative music experiences.

Artistic Directors Cosmin Costinaș and Inti Guerrero said: “Together with the entire team of the Biennale of Sydney, we are humbled and full of joy as we announce a partial list of artists participating in the 24th Biennale of Sydney. Next year’s Biennale works across time periods, beyond the borders separating cultural practices rooted in different genealogies, and from all continents. The exhibition owes a profound debt to the rich heritage of what is known today as Australia, especially to the struggles and practices in which First Nations communities and migrants have faced and played key roles.

“The 24th Biennale of Sydney will invoke a spirit of abundance and generosity as powerful political tools and resist the mainstream mindsets of perpetual crisis that often lead to inaction. This edition revisits legacies of collective resistance, strength, and exuberance, embracing a more hopeful and joyful outlook, while celebrating the exhibition as a carnival of rays and radiance, aptly titled Ten Thousand Suns.”

Costinaș and Guerrero are frequent collaborators, and their exhibitions embrace the multiplicities of people’s viewpoints, reflected in the unique experiences and possibilities that art can provide, inviting people to challenge and be challenged, to learn and celebrate together. For the 24th Biennale of Sydney (2024), Australia’s vibrant communities are central to their thinking, while seeing the Biennale as a place that reaffirms the urgency for international dialogue.

Barbara Moore, Chief Executive Officer, Biennale of Sydney said: “The Biennale of Sydney is one of the top biennials in the world – a leader in this global art movement – presenting the most innovative contemporary art and ideas from around the world. And admission is free for everyone. So come and experience it, sharing the joys and challenges of our time as a communal participatory experience, inspired by incredible art and artists. As the Biennale of Sydney celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, it is fitting that this edition is a celebration about overcoming adversity to thrive as a community.”

The artists selected have practices firmly rooted in diverse communities and artistic vocabularies, inviting audiences to bear witness to multiple histories.

Minister for the Arts and Minister for Jobs and Tourism, John Graham said: “The Biennale of Sydney is a much- anticipated event every two years. That reflects its record as an amazing place to experience the best of contemporary art. I am delighted to see music recognised in this way at the Biennale for the first time.

“It is a signature event on our state’s cultural events calendar that attracts tens of thousands of visitors to Sydney every two years, supporting our goal for Sydney to be recognised as a destination for cultural events and experiences.”

Beau Neilson, Executive Producer and Creative Director, Phoenix Central Park said: “We have long held the view that contemporary music is an art form worthy of elevated presentations in fine art spaces. It’s a great privilege to be creating a music program that will respond to the breadth of work curated by Cosmin Costinaș and Inti Guerrero. Together they have assembled a rich and dazzling array of visual art that captures the socio- political zeitgeist with a spirit of optimism, and we look forward to honouring this vision with an exciting line-up that will span the duration of the Biennale.”

The Biennale of Sydney is a leading international contemporary art event. It plays an indispensable role in Australia’s engagement with the world, and a meaningful role in the life of the nation. For almost 50 years, the Biennale has been a unifying force in the Australian arts sector, embedding boldly creative art exhibitions and experiences in the everyday life of Sydney and putting the artistic excellence of Australia front and centre on the world stage. The Biennale of Sydney has commissioned and presented exceptional works of art by more than 1900 national and international artists from more than 130 countries. The Biennale of Sydney is committed to free access for all.