Stats out on Biennale of Sydney; we take a look at COVID’s impact
Despite cutting its staff by half as COVID hit, the Biennale of Sydney delivered over 600 programs to audiences, and recorded other interesting statistics as it pivoted online.
Ibrahim Mahama, No Friend but the Mountains 2012-2020, charcoal jute sacks and mixed media. Installation Installation view (2020) for the 22nd Biennale of Sydney, Cockatoo Island. Courtesy the artist; White Cube and Apalazzo Gallery. Photo: Zan Wimberley.
When media gathered to view the 22nd Biennale of Sydney in early March, they were amused by the idea of ‘elbow bumps’ and pump sanitiser on the odd table. Little were they to know that the important international exhibition was soon to face shutdowns, and would lead the sector in recalibrating for a new normal.
The 2020 Biennale of Sydney opened on 14 March. After just 10 days, in compliance with NSW Government restrictions, the Biennale of Sydney closed its public exhibitions on 24 March.
Gina Fairley is ArtsHub's Senior Contributor, after 12 years in the role as National Visual Arts Editor. She has worked for extended periods in America and Southeast Asia, as gallerist, arts administrator and regional contributing editor for a number of magazines, including Hong Kong based Asian Art News and World Sculpture News. She is an Art Tour leader for the AGNSW Members, and lectures regularly on the state of the arts. She is based in Mittagong, regional NSW.
Instagram: fairleygina
