It’s official: Renowned Emirati art curator Hoor Al-Qasimi will be helming the 25th edition of the Biennale of Sydney. Scheduled to take place from March 7 to June 8, 2026, the founder and current president of the Sharjah Art Foundation (SAF) will assume the role of art director for the forthcoming gathering, bringing her extensive experience and sharp acumen to one of the most prestigious events around the world.
Considered a pioneer as well as a leading figure in her respective field, Al-Qasimi carries the reputation of being a dynamic force in the global art community, credited with many firsts throughout her decades-spanning career. Just recently appointed artistic director of the sixth Aichi Triennale— set to be held in Japan in 2025— the 44-year-old’s influence and grip on the international art scene continues to solidify, promising to bring the innovative curatorial practices that have made her name over the years.
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“Sydney has a multicultural community at its core, with people from different cultures from across the world choosing and calling this vibrant city as their home. I’m interested in exploring the multifaceted cultures and perspectives within this city, working with local artists and communities, as well as bringing new voices to the Biennale,” Al-Qasimi shared in a statement. “It is an honor and privilege to be nominated and then selected to be Artistic Director of the 25th Biennale of Sydney, which I have been visiting for over a decade now. I have seen the developments over the years, including the amplification of Indigenous voices both local and global, which has made it an essential platform for rewriting art history,” she continued.
Speaking on Al-Qasimi’s nomination, Biennale of Sydney’s CEO Barbara Moore expressed how thrilled she is to welcome such a recognized figure amongst the event’s ranks, adding that it is her “profound dedication to fostering international artistic and cultural exchange and her visionary approach to curatorial practice” that makes her the “perfect fit to lead the artistic direction of the Biennale of Sydney.”
