Biennale of Sydney Opens White Bay Power Station to the Public for the First Time in Over 100 Years

White Bay Power Station has been revealed as the first location for the 24th Biennale of Sydney, marking the first time the revitalised site will open its doors to the public in over 100 years.

The 2024 edition, titled Ten Thousand Suns is curated by Artistic Directors Cosmin Costinaș and Inti Guerrero, and will be presented across Sydney from 9 March – 10 June 2024.

“We are thrilled to be hosting the first major event at White Bay Power Station,” said Chief Executive Officer of Biennale of Sydney Barbara Moore.

“We are presenting some of the best contemporary art from around the world and across Australia, with a robust program of music and food too, and we can’t wait for you to experience it. For 50 years, the Biennale of Sydney has brought people together to think about and talk about the world we live in, infusing art into the very fabric of Sydney and rejuvenated public spaces across the city. In March, we swing the doors to White Bay Power Station wide open, and we can’t wait for you to be part of it.”

Thanks to the vision and advocacy of the NSW Government, along with the many patrons and partners of the Biennale of Sydney – especially the Neilson Foundation – Biennale of Sydney can will hold their opening night event ‘Lights On’, and to Ten Thousand Suns, during the Biennale’s 50th anniversary year.

Tony Albert, Fondation Cartier pour l’art First Nations Curatorial Fellow, and Vivian Ziherl, Curatorial Advisor wrote about their response to their appointments as part of the curatorial team for the 24th edition. Read about their curatorial interpretation of Ten Thousand Suns.

Congratulations to Biennale Board Member Khaled Sabsabi and 2018 Biennale artist Latai Taumoepeau for receiving the Visual Arts Award and the Emerging and Experimental Arts Award respectively at the Creative Australia Awards in September. Through these awards, Creative Australia recognises the contribution of outstanding artists to their art forms and to the cultural life of the nation.

The upcoming referendum on The Voice to Parliament on Saturday 14 October marks a significant date for Australians. It presents an opportunity for us to come together as a nation to support the constitutional amendment to recognise the self-determination of First Nations people and communities in Australia.

The Biennale hosted a town hall discussion and panel with Belvoir St Theatre and Yes23 in August, you can watch the Understanding the Voice to Parliament here, or read the Biennale’s statement in support of The Voice here. Visit Yes 23 for more information.

At the end of this month, Biennale of Sydney will be announcing their exhibition partners, artists, programs and events. Tickets to ‘Lights On’, art tours and programs will be available from 31 October.

Key Dates

31 October – Program highlights and full locations announcement

5 March 2024 – Media Preview

6-8 March 2024 – Vernissage (Professional Preview)

9 March – 10 June 2024 – Biennale of Sydney open to the public

Admission is free.

More information on the Biennale of Sydney: biennaleofsydney.art

More information on White Bay Power Station:  planning.nsw.gov.au