The Biennale of Sydney made waves in the art world this week by announcing Emirati creative Hoor Al-Qasimi as its artistic director for the prestigious event in 2026.
Scheduled to run from March 7 to June 8, the 25th edition of the biennale promises to be a showcase of innovation and cultural exchange under Al-Qasimi’s guidance.
Al-Qasimi is no stranger to the international art scene. As the president and director of the Sharjah Art Foundation since its inception in 2009, she has demonstrated a keen eye for curatorial excellence. Her experience extends to curating renowned biennials such as the second Lahore Biennale in 2020 and the UAE Pavilion at the 56th Venice Biennale in 2015.
Her involvement in the arts spans decades, highlighted by her co-curation of the sixth edition of the Sharjah Biennial in 2003, a role she has upheld with distinction ever since.
Beyond her curatorial achievements, Hoor Al-Qasimi holds prestigious positions including president of the International Biennial Association since 2017 and president of the Africa Institute. She has also contributed her expertise as a board member for institutions like MoMA PS1 in New York and the UCCA Center for Contemporary Art in Beijing.
Al-Qasimi’s artistic influence extends globally, with her appointment as the artistic director of the sixth Aichi Triennale in Japan, set to take place in 2025.
Her selection as artistic director for the Biennale of Sydney 2026 underscores her commitment to fostering cross-cultural dialogue and promoting artistic exchange on an international stage.