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.

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.

Unlock Padlock Icon

Unlock this content?

Access this content and more

Gina Fairley is ArtsHub's National Visual Arts Editor. For a decade she worked as a freelance writer and curator across Southeast Asia and was previously the Regional Contributing Editor for Hong Kong based magazines Asian Art News and World Sculpture News. Prior to writing she worked as an arts manager in America and Australia for 14 years, including the regional gallery, biennale and commercial sectors. She is based in Mittagong, regional NSW. Twitter: @ginafairley Instagram: fairleygina