Home UncategorizedEntertainment Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi: Honoured to Lead Biennale of Sydney 2026

Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi: Honoured to Lead Biennale of Sydney 2026

Sharjah Art Foundation President Expresses Joy at Being Named Artistic Director of Australia’s Largest Arts Festival

by Soofiya

In a landmark announcement, Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi has been appointed as the artistic director of the 2026 Biennale of Sydney. This significant appointment is a testament to her influential role in the global art scene and her commitment to fostering cultural dialogue through contemporary art.

Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi, President and Director of the Sharjah Art Foundation, is no stranger to the international art world. Her leadership has transformed the Sharjah Biennial into one of the most respected and innovative art events globally. With a career dedicated to supporting artists and promoting cultural exchange, her new role as the head of the Biennale of Sydney marks another exciting chapter in her illustrious journey.

Expressing her honor at being chosen for this prestigious position, Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi highlighted the Biennale’s legacy as a platform for challenging and thought-provoking art. “It is an immense privilege to be entrusted with this responsibility,” she said. “The Biennale of Sydney has a rich history of presenting pioneering artistic expressions, and I look forward to contributing to its future.”

Her vision for the 2026 Biennale is expected to reflect her deep understanding of contemporary art and her passion for creating spaces where diverse voices can be heard. Under her direction, the Biennale is likely to showcase a wide array of artistic practices and narratives, bridging cultural divides and fostering a deeper understanding of the global human experience.

Sheikha Hoor’s leadership is characterized by her inclusive approach and her dedication to providing platforms for underrepresented artists. Her work with the Sharjah Art Foundation has seen the realization of numerous exhibitions, residencies, and public programs that support artists from across the Middle East and beyond. She brings this same spirit of inclusivity and support to the Biennale of Sydney, promising an event that will engage with pressing global issues and celebrate artistic innovation.

The 2026 Biennale of Sydney, under Sheikha Hoor’s guidance, is anticipated to be a dynamic and multifaceted event. It will likely explore themes relevant to today’s world, such as identity, migration, climate change, and technology, through a diverse range of artistic mediums. Her expertise and visionary leadership will ensure that the Biennale continues to be a platform for critical dialogue and artistic excellence.

As the art world looks forward to the 2026 Biennale of Sydney, there is much excitement and anticipation surrounding Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi’s appointment. Her proven track record of curating groundbreaking exhibitions and her unwavering commitment to cultural exchange make her the perfect leader for this prestigious event.

Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi, President of the Sharjah Art Foundation, has been appointed as the artistic director of the 2026 Biennale of Sydney.

Expressing her joy following the announcement, Sheikha Hoor emphasized her commitment to collaborating with local communities, artists, and academics, while leveraging her extensive international network to shape the 2026 Biennale. “Sydney has a multicultural community at its core, with people from different cultures from across the world calling this vibrant city home,” she said. “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.”

“It is an honor and privilege to be nominated and selected to be artistic director of the 25th Biennale of Sydney, which I have been visiting for over a decade now. I have seen its evolution, including the amplification of Indigenous voices both local and global, making it an essential platform for rewriting art history.”

The Biennale of Sydney, established in 1973, is one of the longest-running exhibitions of its kind and the first biennale in the Asia-Pacific region. The next Biennale will take place from March 7 to June 8, 2026.

Barbara Moore, Chief Executive of the Biennale of Sydney, praised Sheikha Hoor’s appointment: “Al Qasimi’s profound dedication to fostering international artistic and cultural exchange and her visionary approach to curatorial practice make her the perfect fit to lead the artistic direction of the Biennale of Sydney. Her commitment to amplifying diverse voices and engaging with local communities aligns seamlessly with our mission to create a platform where art brings people together to connect and learn from each other in meaningful ways.”

Sheikha Hoor has a wealth of experience in the art world. She founded the Sharjah Art Foundation in 2009 and has been the director of the Sharjah Biennial since 2002, curating the critically acclaimed Sharjah Biennial 15 last year. Her other prominent roles include serving as president of the International Biennial Association in 2017, overseeing the Africa Institute, Global Studies University in Sharjah, and leading the Sharjah Architecture Triennial.

Recently appointed as the artistic director for the sixth Aichi Triennale 2025, Sheikha Hoor is the first person outside Japan to be chosen for this role. She has also co-curated exhibitions for the Serpentine Gallery in London and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago.

With her extensive background and innovative vision, Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi’s leadership is poised to make the 2026 Biennale of Sydney a groundbreaking event that celebrates artistic diversity and fosters cultural exchange.

In her own words, Sheikha Hoor expressed her hopes for the Biennale: “Art has the power to connect us, to open our minds to new perspectives, and to inspire change. I am deeply honored to have the opportunity to shape the 2026 Biennale of Sydney and to continue the Biennale’s tradition of showcasing art that challenges and inspires.”

The art community worldwide eagerly awaits the unveiling of her vision for the Biennale, confident that Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi’s leadership will result in an unforgettable and transformative event.

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