25 Mar 2025

Biennale of Sydney returning to White Bay Power Station to celebrate its 25th edition

The Biennale of Sydney, one of the world’s leading international contemporary art events, will return to White Bay Power Station for its milestone 25th edition from 14 March – 14 June 2026. 

Following the incredible success of last year’s inaugural event at the historic landmark, the Biennale of Sydney will again power up the city’s cultural energy, continuing to enrich Australia’s engagement with the international art world. 

After 40 years of lying dormant, the old White Bay Power Station opened a year ago to host its first Biennale of Sydney as the city’s newest cultural space, combining bold contemporary art and a century old heritage building that proved a compelling event for art and history buffs alike, attracting 174,000 attendees. 

First held in 1973 and every two years since, the Biennale of Sydney is one of the longest running events of its kind in the world and has grown to become a significant visitor drawcard on Sydney’s major cultural calendar. Next year’s event is projected to attract more than 27,000 visitors to Sydney who will inject an estimated $18 million into the NSW visitor economy. 

Aligning with the state’s first cultural and creative industries policy, Creative Communities, and the recent review of the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy, Biennale of Sydney underscores the NSW Government’s commitment to creating inimitable cultural experiences for Sydney locals and visitors, to achieve its stretch goal of making the NSW visitor economy a $91 billion powerhouse by 2035. 

White Bay Power Station was conserved by Placemaking NSW and transformed into a unique arts, cultural and creative industries space. The NSW Government is developing a long-term strategy for the building to ensure that it becomes a cultural asset for current and future generations. 

The program for the 25th Biennale of Sydney in 2026 will be announced later this year. Entry to the festival is free with more information available at biennaleofsydney.art. 

For more information https://www.whitebaypowerstation.com.

NSW Minister for the Arts, John Graham said: 

“The White Bay Power Station is a bold canvas for the colour and creativity of the Biennale of Sydney so it’s great to see it coming back next year. 

“It’s so exciting to have this former power station firing for big cultural events. It has the scale to stage big works, stunning backdrops, all centrally located for art lovers around Sydney and beyond. 

“We encourage everyone around the city, the state and the country to make plans to come to the 25th Biennale of Sydney at the White Bay Power Station in 2026.” 

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The return of the Biennale will further cement White Bay Power Station’s status as a building dedicated to arts and culture. “The NSW Government invested $100 million to transform the historic landmark into public space for everyone in NSW to explore and enjoy. It will be great to see crowds flock to the facility again for the 25th Biennale.” 

Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said: 

“The Biennale of Sydney will be a standout on the NSW events calendar next year showcasing Sydney as a global cultural hub where art and creativity is celebrated.

“The White Bay Power Station is an iconic venue and a place where locals and visitors can enjoy the most exciting and cutting-edge cultural experiences.” 

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.”  

MEDIA: Anna Burns | Minister Graham | 0475 902 121 

Jenny Archdall | Minister Scully | 0429 368 226 

Jonathan Symons | Minister Kamper | 0407 488 158