Biennale News

Artistic Director David Elliott unveils Program Highlights for 17th Biennale of Sydney

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:24:00 GMT

David Elliott, Artistic Director, today unveiled at the Sydney Opera House program highlights for the 17th Biennale of Sydney, which will be presented free to the public from 12 May until 1 August 2010.

Based on the curatorial theme THE BEAUTY OF DISTANCE: Songs of Survival in a Precarious Age, recent and new works by Australian artists will be showcased alongside international artists at Sydney’s leading cultural institutions, contemporary art spaces and heritage sites.

David Elliott, international curator, writer, broadcaster and museum director, explores connections between the visual arts and other art forms in ‘THE BEAUTY OF DISTANCE’. Artists’ works will be presented alongside the work of contemporary writers, filmmakers, commentators and musicians. Elliott says: ‘The aim of this Biennale is to bring together work from diverse cultures, at the same time, on the equal playing field of contemporary art, where no culture can assume superiority over any other.’

Elliott has constructed ‘THE BEAUTY OF DISTANCE’ with Sydney’s position as an iconic modern world city in mind and believes biennales should enter into conversation with the places where they are shown.

Read on for more details …

Cockatoo Island (in the middle of Sydney Harbour) returns as a major venue in 2010, featuring many new site-specific works created directly in response to the location. The venue will feature works by approximately 50 artists, including Cai Guo-Qiang, the Tiger Lillies, AES+F, Isaac Julien and Brook Andrew.

The Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) will devote its entire gallery space to the Biennale for the first time. One of the MCA’s largest galleries will be filled with 110 larrakitj (memorial poles) created by 41 Yolngu artists from North East Arnhem Land. Other artists exhibiting at the MCA include John Bock, Louise Bourgeois, Brett Graham and Angela Ellsworth.

Artspace will become the home of SuperDeluxe, one of Tokyo’s leading alternative spaces for experimental music, culture and ideas. SuperDeluxe@Artspace is at once a performance venue, art gallery, bar and club, featuring a sensational line-up of Japanese performers, improvised collaborations with local artists and PechaKucha nights.

The Sydney Opera House will host an ephemeral work by Jennifer Wen Ma and performances by Finland’s Mieskuoro Huutajat (Shouting Men’s Choir).

Pier 2/3 will premiere a new installation by Paul McCarthy, while Fiona Hall will create a new work for the Royal Botanic Gardens.

The Art Gallery of New South Wales, due to gallery renovations, participates as a supporting venue in 2010 exhibiting Biennale works in the Grand Court. Artists will include Hisashi Tenmyouya and Wang Qingsong.

The 17th Biennale of Sydney will be dedicated to the life and continuing influence of Nick Waterlow OAM and the Biennale’s keynote address from hereon will be named in Nick Waterlow’s memory.

To read more about this year’s program highlights, visit www.bos17.com

Position Vacant: Volunteer Coordinator

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 06:31:00 GMT

The Biennale of Sydney (BoS) has an exciting position vacant – we are seeking a new Volunteer Coordinator.

The BoS is a non-profit arts organisation that presents an international festival of contemporary art (and Australia’s largest contemporary art exhibition) every two years in Sydney’s major art museums and galleries, and locations throughout the city.

The BoS is one of the longest running international biennales and Australia’s leading contemporary visual arts event. Since its inception in 1973, the BoS has successfully delivered 16 major exhibitions, which have featured more than 1355 artists from over 82 countries.

The successful applicant will be part of a team of highly motivated, specialist staff and will play an important role in the organisation. A proven track record in volunteer and staff management is essential.

The Volunteer Coordinator will be an experienced, qualified and enthusiastic professional with a strong background in coordination/management and supervision of staff and/or volunteers. The successful candidate will have demonstrable organisational and administrative abilities, high-level communication skills, a flexible approach and hands-on expertise in managing staff.

The Volunteer Coordinator is responsible for the recruitment and rostering of appropriate levels of volunteer assistance for the 2010 Biennale venues of Pier 2/3 (Walsh Bay), Cockatoo Island and for specific artist projects. Volunteers appointed by this position work in a number of areas including as artist assistants (working with artists to help facilitate their projects), artwork invigilators and assisting with education activities and exhibition administration.

The Volunteer Coordinator reports directly to the Exhibition Manager. The position plays a crucial role in the successful delivery of the 2010 Biennale of Sydney exhibition.

This is a full-time contract position related to the 2010 event from February 2010 until 31 August 2010. Salary (including 9% employer’s superannuation contribution) will be discussed with potential candidates.

For more information, download an information pack, or please contact Clare Flanagan, Administration Assistant, on (02) 9368 1411 or email art[at]biennaleofsydney.com.au

Applications must include:

a cover letter
response to each selection criteria
a current CV
the names and daytime contacts of at least two (2) professional referees

Forward to:
Danielle Earp, Exhibition Manager
c/- Clare Flanagan at:
art[at]biennaleofsydney.com.au

or posted marked ‘Confidential’ to :
Clare Flanagan
Volunteer Coordinator Recruitment
Biennale of Sydney
43–51 Cowper Wharf Road
Woolloomooloo NSW 2011

By: 5 pm on Friday, 12 February

Interviews: Week commencing Monday, 15 February

Start date: Immediate start

Behind the scenes: how do artworks get to the Biennale

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:52:00 GMT

It’s holiday time for some of the world’s most exciting artworks, as preparations are underway to transport just over 400 artworks to our shores for the 17th Biennale of Sydney. One work will see nine cars and more than one hundred light tubes being transported to Sydney for installation on Cockatoo Island.

But how do Cai Guo-Qiang’s work and all the other artworks make their way to the Biennale? Read on if you’re curious ...

The artworks featured in the exhibition come from all corners of the globe, including China, South Africa, Canada, Indonesia, Sweden and Japan. These works come from private lenders, museums, commercial galleries, representing artists and collectors and from the artists themselves. Many artists create new commissioned works on site right here in Sydney.

The transportation of an artwork is a delicate process, as Lisa Hayes, Registrar at the Biennale, can tell you. ‘It is my job to make sure the artworks are packed, transported and installed safely and securely, minimising the risk at all times.’

The Biennale always works with a fine art transport agent, such as International Art Services (IAS), to oversee the transportation. IAS has now been a sponsor of the Biennale of Sydney since 2006, providing essential services for the exhibition team. The agent will supervise every movement to make sure the artwork receives five star care. The process is taken very seriously to ensure the safety and longevity of the works. As Hayes reflects, ‘We have a duty of care to look after the artworks to the highest possible standards, to ensure the owners and other exhibition visitors can enjoy them in the future.’

The works make their way to Sydney by air, sea and road, with the largest proportion flying. The journey can be very short or very long, as Hayes notes, ‘The longest could be two months and the shortest could be a day.’ The works will begin travelling from early March and will continue to arrive in Sydney until the week before the Biennale opens on 12 May.

Cai Guo-Qiang, Inopportune: Stage One, 2006, nine cars and sequenced multichannel light tubes, dimensions variable. Collection of Seattle Art Museum. Gift of Robert M. Arnold, in honour of the 75th Anniversary of the Seattle Art Museum. Installation view at Shawinigan Space, National Gallery of Canada. Courtesy Cai Studio. Photograph: Kazuo Ono

Get involved: Volunteer positions with the Biennale

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:54:00 GMT

Would you like the opportunity for a hands-on experience with an internationally acclaimed, large-scale contemporary art exhibition? We are looking for enthusiastic individuals to volunteer for the 17th Biennale of Sydney across all areas of the event.

As Australia’s leading contemporary international art exhibition, we offer volunteers a unique experience to work on a major international event that involves many artists from many countries. Volunteering is a great opportunity to learn about and be involved in this unique and exciting exhibition.

Join our volunteer team and gain first-hand experience in helping to make the Biennale come to life. Our volunteers in 2008 loved the experience and maybe this year you can too.

‘Volunteering at the Biennale was an awesome experience. You are instantly involved and can feel the staff (volunteers included) working as a whole in a manner that is both fast-paced and fun. I can’t wait to see the exhibition in May!’ – Miriyan Kidson, Registration Volunteer 2009

‘Working at the Biennale of Sydney was an eye-opening experience; it really introduced me to the day-by-day necessities of working for a company and was an invaluable opportunity for both my personal and professional life.’ – Ruari Moran, Publications Volunteer 2010

We are looking for people to assist across all areas of the event, including Marketing, Public Programs and Education, Exhibitions, Administration and Web.

For more information, or to download an Application Form, click here.

Dora Garcia, performance for the 16th Biennale of Sydney at the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Photograph: Greg Weight

David Elliott judges the Sovereign Asian Art Prize 2009

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 09:25:00 GMT

Recently, Artistic Director of the 17th Biennale of Sydney, David Elliott, joined a panel of art experts and professionals to select the winner of the Sovereign Asian Art Prize 2009 in Hong Kong. The panel also included Xu Bing, Chinese artist, Fumio Nanjo, Director of the Mori Art Museum, Prof. Dr. Apinan Poshyananda, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Culture, Ministry of Culture, Thailand and Uli Sigg, Swiss collector.

The thirty finalists, announced in August last year, are almost at the end of their wait – the winner will be announced next week on 27 January 2010. The 30 finalists include Miguel Payano, Vincent Fantauzzo, Debbie Han, Wai Hong Mok, Angela Su, Sajjad Ahmed, Wendy Teakel, Noriko Yamaguchi. The finalists’ works will be auctioned after a January exhibition in Hong Kong (18 – 23 January 2010). View the full list of artists and vote for your favourite here.

Established in Hong Kong in 2003 with the founding of the Sovereign Art Foundation charity, the Sovereign Art Prize is an annual visual arts award that recognises established artists in both Hong Kong and Europe. Funds generated by the sale of the winning prize and the finalists’ auction are used to assist disadvantaged children utilising the arts for education, rehabilitation and therapeutic purposes.

For more information on the Sovereign Asian Art Prize, visit www.sovereignartfoundation.com.

Registration for opening week events

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 09:25:00 GMT

The 17th Biennale of Sydney – THE BEAUTY OF DISTANCE: Songs of Survival in a Precarious Age – will open to the public 12 May – 1 August 2010. Artists, curators, journalists and other professional representatives from the visual arts may register for invitations.

Please note, the Biennale of Sydney can only consider application forms received before 28 February 2010.

Key events during Opening Week (11 – 16 May 2010) will include:

Vernissage (Tuesday, 11 May)
Exhibition Public opening (Wednesday, 12 May)
Artists’ and Supporters’ Party and Concert (Wednesday, 12 May)
Forum (Friday, 14 May – Saturday, 15 May)

The Biennale of Sydney has created exclusive packages to make your trip a memorable one, including tickets to special Biennale events, tours of the city’s leading contemporary art galleries and visits to prominent private collections and artists’ studios, should these be of interest.

Please register here to attend the opening events.

Seasons Greetings

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 23:10:00 GMT

Best wishes for the festive season and the New Year from the Board and staff of the Biennale of Sydney. Our offices will be closed from 24 December 2009 until 4 January 2010.

We wish you a safe and happy holiday season and look forward to bringing you more exciting news in the New Year.

Check out our fabulous new e-card created by Barnbrook Design.

Give a Biennale of Sydney gift this Christmas

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 22:51:00 GMT

The Biennale of Sydney has a great gift idea this season: a Biennale of Sydney Friends package, for only AUD$199.00 (including GST). The Friends program offers access, connection and insight into the 17th Biennale of Sydney exhibition and the associated education and public programs.

Our Friends (and your friends!) will get to experience the 17th Biennale of Sydney ahead of the public and join the Biennale in celebrating the opening of the exhibition.

Become a Friend for only AUD$199.00 (including GST) and receive:

A double pass to attend the Vernissage Day (Tuesday, 11 May 2010)
Two tickets to an exclusive Friends' briefing and preview tour (date to be confirmed)
Two tickets to the Artists’ and Supporters’ Party (Wednesday, 12 May 2010)
A complimentary copy of the exhibition catalogue

To join the Friends program, please download and complete the Friends of the Biennale of Sydney form.

For further information please contact:

Jeremy Smith
Benefaction Manager
Phone: +612 9368 1411
Email: jeremy@biennaleofsydney.com.au

Nick Waterlow OAM

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 06:26:00 GMT

Nick Waterlow OAM has recently passed away in Sydney, alongside his daughter Chloe.

Chairman Luca Belgiorno-Nettis, the Board and staff of the Biennale of Sydney are deeply saddened by this tragic news – both professionally and personally.

Nick Waterlow was an esteemed curator of far-reaching reputation, who commanded international respect and the highest regard of his peers. His extraordinary generosity and commitment to the artists and arts professionals with whom he worked, and his dedication to contemporary art are acknowledged widely throughout the Australian and international art communities.

Nick directed three ground-breaking Biennale of Sydney exhibitions in 1979, 1986 and 1988, and was Chair of the International Selection Committee for the 8th Biennale of Sydney in 2000. For eleven years (1994–2005), Nick also served on the Board of the Biennale of Sydney.

His profound contribution to this organisation is immeasurable.

The Biennale of Sydney wishes to convey its deepest sympathies to the Waterlow family and his partner.

Three chances to catch David Elliott in the UK next week

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 06:32:00 GMT

David Elliott is presenting an exciting series of lectures, titled ‘Rethinking Art after the Age of “Enlightenment”’, with the Sainsbury Institute for the Study of Japanese Arts and Cultures.

Friday, 13 November, 6.15 p.m.
In Praise of Impurity: The Condition of Art and the End of Universalism
BP Lecture Theatre, British Museum

Monday, 16 November, 6.15 p.m.
Wounds, Happiness and Distance: Three Exhibitions about the Condition of Art
BP Lecture Theatre, British Museum

Thursday, 19 November, 6 p.m.
Turkey, China and Japan: Three Case Studies in the Development of Modern and Contemporary Art
Blackfriars' Hall, Norwich

Don’t miss out, admission is free! Download the event flyer for more details.

Part 2 of VernissageTV interview with David Elliott

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 23:38:00 GMT

Listen to the second half of the interview with David Elliott, Artistic Director, 17th Biennale of Sydney.

Part 2 of the interview with David Elliott for VernissageTV at Artane Gallery, Istanbul on 9 September, 2009.

VernissageTV interviews David Elliott

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 01:37:00 GMT

Listen to David Elliott, Artistic Director, 17th Biennale of Sydney talk about the concept of the exhibition and what to expect next year.

Interview with David Elliott for VernissageTV at Artane Gallery, Istanbul on 9 September, 2009.

Biennale of Sydney awarded Australian Event of the Year

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 01:55:00 GMT

A judging panel of event industry experts, co-chaired by Johnny Allen and Sandy Hollway, awarded Australian Event of the Year to the 16th Biennale of Sydney: Revolutions – Forms That Turn.

Announced at the 2009 Australian Event Awards in Sydney last night, the Biennale of Sydney was also awarded Best Cultural or Arts Event. The 16th Biennale exhibition, under the artistic direction of Carolyn Christov-Bakargiev, was recognised by the judges as the most innovative event in Australia for last year, demonstrating an outstanding example of best practise in the events industry.

Marah Braye, Chief Executive Officer, Biennale of Sydney, said: 'We are overjoyed by both the critical and public response to the 16th Biennale of Sydney and are honoured to be recognised by this panel of event industry experts. It is a great reward for the exhibition to touch the hearts and minds of the general public and informed connoisseurs alike.'

Ms. Braye continued: 'The Biennale of Sydney is very proud of its record of presenting free to the public the work of more than 1355 artists from over 82 countries. Our charter champions accessibility, inclusion and embracing cultural diversity. Access – both conceptual and practical – is a hallmark of the Biennale of Sydney, whose exhibition and public programs are presented free, thanks to grants from three levels of the Australian government (federal, state and city), as well as foreign government partners and cultural funding organisations. Additionally, the Biennale of Sydney benefits from the contributions and advocacy of a network of generous sponsors, benefactors and supporters, who make all the difference.'

Congratulations to all the Australian Event Award winners and finalists: www.eventawards.com.au

Photo: EventPix

Biennale of Sydney is an awards finalist

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:32:00 GMT

The 16th Biennale of Sydney, Revolutions – Forms That Turn, has been announced as a finalist for the 2009 Australian Event Awards in the category Best Cultural or Arts Event. Congratulations to other very deserving finalists in this category – Sydney Festival, Adelaide Fringe Festival and Bluesfest.

The judging panel of industry experts, co-chaired by Johnny Allen AM and Sandy Hollway AO, said the standard of entries was highly impressive and that innovation in event techniques, knowledge or practices was particularly rewarded across all categories.

Winners will be announced on Thursday, 8 October. View the list of awards and finalists at the Australian Event Awards website.

Photo: Jenni Carter

David Elliott Chair of the Triangle Arts Trust

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:30:00 GMT

David Elliott, Artistic Director, 17th Biennale of Sydney, has been appointed Chair of the Board of Triangle Arts Trust after the organisation’s co-founder, Robert Loder, retired from the position last month.

Triangle Arts Trust is an international network of artist-led workshops and residencies. The organisation encourages exchange of ideas, artists’ mobility, experimentation and fresh thinking by providing workshop, studio and gallery spaces in many locations throughout the world.

David said: ‘It is not only a great honour to be asked to lead the Board of this dynamic and enterprising arts organisation, but it will be also a great challenge to continue to develop Triangle in the inspired way that Robert has, supporting creativity where others saw nothing. We will continue to build on the network that he has helped to create, nurturing originality and quality in the visual arts wherever it can be found.’

More information can be found on the Triangle Arts Trust website

Photo: Wilk