Biennale of Sydney Announces Bruce Johnson McLean As First Nations Curatorial Fellow

The Biennale of Sydney has announced the first details for its 25th edition, taking place from 14 March – 14 June 2026, including the appointment of the next Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain First Nations Curatorial Fellow and confirmation of the first venue as White Bay Power Station.

As part of the Biennale of Sydney’s creative partnership with Visionary Partner Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain, the two organisations have announced Bruce Johnson McLean as the new Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain First Nations Curatorial Fellow.

Johnson McLean is a member of the Wierdi people of Wribpid and one of Australia’s leading voices on First Nations art and culture. A curator, writer, advisor and consultant with over 25 years of experience, he has held roles including Assistant Director of First Nations at the National Gallery of Australia and Curator of Indigenous Australian Art at the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art.

Through this partnership, the Biennale and Fondation Cartier continue to commission, present and promote First Nations arts and culture within the Biennale program. The curatorial fellowship was established in 2023, with artist Tony Albert as the inaugural recipient. For the 2024 edition, Albert worked with the Biennale, the Fondation Cartier and 14 commissioned First Nations artists from around the world, collaborating closely to bring their creative visions to life. Johnson McLean will continue this work for the 2026 edition, with commissioned artists to be announced in the coming months.

The major international contemporary art festival will again activate White Bay Power Station, Sydney’s newest arts and cultural venue, following the successful transformation of the heritage space in 2024. That edition welcomed more than 777,000 visitors across six venues, with approximately 174,000 at White Bay Power Station alone – making it the most attended non-museum site in the Biennale’s history.

“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,” said Biennale of Sydney Chief Executive Officer Barbara Moore.

“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. Entry to the Biennale of Sydney is free.

“The Biennale of Sydney has always been a platform for bold artistic expression and meaningful cultural exchange. Our partnership with the Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain continues to strengthen the Biennale’s commitment to amplifying First Nations voices, both locally and globally. We are delighted to welcome Bruce Johnson McLean as the next Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain First Nations Curatorial Fellow and look forward to the contributions he will bring to the 25th edition. His experience, knowledge, and deep connection to First Nations art and culture will be invaluable in shaping a compelling and thought-provoking edition in 2026.”

“The Biennale of Sydney has long been a platform for artists to share their stories, challenge perceptions, and spark dialogue across cultures,” said Hoor Al Qasimi, Artistic Director of the 25th Biennale of Sydney.

“As we shape the 25th edition, we are committed to creating a dynamic and inclusive festival of art and ideas that reflects the diversity of contemporary artistic voices. Bruce Johnson McLean’s appointment as the next Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain First Nations Curatorial Fellow is a vital step in this journey, and I look forward to working alongside him and the entire Biennale team to create an edition that is deeply rooted in connection, history, and the transformative power of art.

“It is brilliant that the Biennale will return to White Bay Power Station in 2026, a space that has proven to be an extraordinary setting for creative expression and community engagement. With the Biennale, we create engagement by, with, and for community, providing a platform for local artists and performers in this creative endeavour.”

The Biennale of Sydney and Inner West Council have renewed their partnership for the 2026 edition, with a dedicated focus on activating White Bay Power Station as a dynamic cultural venue. Through this partnership, the Biennale aims to deepen connections between international and local voices, fostering new artistic exchanges and engagement with Sydney’s creative communities.

With the artistic direction led by Hoor Al Qasimi, the 25th Biennale of Sydney will be presented from 14 March – 14 June 2026, with further details to be announced.

More information: biennaleofsydney.art