SYDNEY.- The Biennale of Sydney today announced the first details for the 25th edition, taking place from March 14–June 14, 2026, including the appointment of the next Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain First Nations Curatorial Fellow and the first venue as White Bay Power Station.

As part of the Biennale of Sydney’s creative partnership with Visionary Partner, Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain, the two organisations have today announced the new Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain First Nations Curatorial Fellow as Bruce Johnson McLean. Johnson McLean is a member of the Wierdi people of Wribpid and is one of Australia’s leading voices on First Nations art and culture. A curator, writer, advisor and consultant with over 25 years’ professional experience in the sector, he has held previous positions including Assistant Director of First Nations at the National Gallery of Australia and Curator of Indigenous Australian Art at the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art. 

Through the partnership, the two organisations work to further commission, present and promote First Nations arts and culture as part of the Biennale of Sydney program. The role of the Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain First Nations Curatorial Fellow was established in 2023, with artist Tony Albert the inaugural appointment. For the 2024 edition, Albert worked with the Biennale, the Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain and 14 commissioned First Nations artists from around the world, collaborating closely with the artists to bring their creative visions to life. Johnson McLean will continue this important work with First Nations artists commissioned for the 2026 edition of the Biennale of Sydney to be announced in the coming months.

The major international contemporary art festival will activate White Bay Power Station, Sydney’s newest arts and cultural venue, after successfully transforming the heritage space in 2024 as the first event at the restored power station. The 2024 edition welcomed over 777,000 visitors across six venues, with White Bay Power Station alone welcoming approximately 174,000 visitors, making it the most attended non-museum site in the history of the Biennale.

Biennale of Sydney Chief Executive Officer Barbara Moore said: “The Biennale of Sydney was the first cultural organisation to bring White Bay Power Station to life, transforming this iconic and historic landmark into a dynamic hub for community events and exhibitions of international calibre. The overwhelming success of the Biennale’s 24th edition showed the incredible potential of this space to inspire, engage, and connect people through a festival of contemporary art, music, and ideas. We are proud to return to White Bay Power Station in 2026 for the 25th edition in one of the city’s most exciting new creative precincts. Entry to the Biennale of Sydney is free.”

“The Biennale of Sydney has always been a platform for bold artistic expression and meaningful cultural exchange. Our partnership with the Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain continues to strengthen the Biennale’s commitment to amplifying First Nations voices, both locally and globally. We are delighted to welcome Bruce Johnson McLean as the next Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain First Nations Curatorial Fellow and look forward to the contributions he will bring to the 25th edition. His experience, knowledge, and deep connection to First Nations art and culture will be invaluable in shaping a compelling and thought-provoking edition in 2026.”

Artistic Director of the 25th Biennale of Sydney Hoor Al Qasimi said: “The Biennale of Sydney has long been a platform for artists to share their stories, challenge perceptions, and spark dialogue across cultures. As we shape the 25th edition, we are committed to creating a dynamic and inclusive festival of art and ideas that reflects the diversity of contemporary artistic voices. Bruce Johnson McLean’s appointment as the next Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain First Nations Curatorial Fellow is a vital step in this journey, and I look forward to working alongside him and the entire Biennale team to create an edition that is deeply rooted in connection, history, and the transformative power of art.

It is brilliant that the Biennale will return to White Bay Power Station in 2026, a space that has proven to be an extraordinary setting for creative expression and community engagement. With the Biennale, we create engagement by, with, and for community, providing a platform for local artists and performers in this creative endeavour.”

Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain First Nations Curatorial Fellow Bruce Johnson McLean said: “I am honoured to be working with the Biennale of Sydney and the Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain, two organisations with a long and proud history of supporting the voices and visions of First Nations artists internationally. Under the artistic direction of one of the world’s leading curators, Hoor Al Qasimi, the 25th edition of the Biennale of Sydney will be an important moment for First Nations art and artists globally. It is with great pride that I look forward to carrying on the work of my colleague and friend Tony Albert in supporting ambitious projects by, and building connections between, many of the leading First Nations artists from Australia and around the world.”

Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain said: “At the Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain, we believe in the power of art to foster cross-cultural dialogue and create lasting impact. Our partnership with the Biennale of Sydney is built on a shared commitment to championing First Nations artists and perspectives. We are thrilled to welcome Bruce Johnson McLean in this role and to continue working together to bring artists from around the globe and their stories to an international stage. The 25th Biennale of Sydney will be another significant chapter in this ongoing collaboration, and we look forward to the inspiring projects ahead.”

The Biennale of Sydney and Inner West Council have renewed their partnership for the 2026 edition, with a dedicated focus on activating White Bay Power Station as a dynamic cultural venue. Through this partnership, the Biennale aims to deepen connections between international and local voices, fostering new artistic exchanges and engagement with Sydney’s creative communities.

With the artistic direction led by Hoor Al Qasimi, the 25th Biennale of Sydney will be presented from March 14–June 14, 2026, with further details to be announced.