The Biennale of Sydney was created in 1973 as an international showcase for contemporary art. Its aim was to develop and present a program that challenged traditional thinking and encouraged new levels of enthusiasm for innovative creative expression.

The concept exceeded early expectations and the event proved to be a natural fit with Sydney, reflecting the blend of experiment and enjoyment of innovation and energy that has always been a hallmark of Australia's largest city. From a small start, the Biennale quadrupled in size in less than a decade.

The Biennale of Sydney quickly achieved international recognition and today it ranks, with Venice and São Paulo, as one of the three leading international festivals of contemporary art and multimedia. The Biennale of Sydney is widely considered to be the pre-eminent contemporary art event in the Southern Hemisphere.

As with its predecessors, the 2002 exhibition set out to invigorate and enrich Australian visual culture through the creation of international links. The 13 Biennales since 1973 have featured the work of over 1,080 artists from more than 60 countries: of these artists 20% were Australian.