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IBA 13th General Assembly

On this page, you may find the most up-to-date information about the 13th General Assembly of IBA in Sydney, Australia, which will take place between June 9th and 14th, 2026 during the closing days of the 25th Biennale of Sydney – Rememory.

Founded in 1973, the Biennale of Sydney is one of the longest-running and most respected biennials in the world. Known for its commitment to experimental, interdisciplinary, and socially engaged art, the Biennale has consistently positioned itself as a key appointment for artistic practices across the Asia-Pacific and worldwide. Recent editions have foregrounded urgent global issues while remaining deeply rooted in the unique histories and ecologies of the continent and its First Nations.

Marking a new chapter for IBA, with this being our first General Assembly held in Oceania, we are proud to collaborate with one of the region’s most iconic contemporary art institutions, represented within IBA by its CEO, Barbara Moore, who last year took up the role as Vice-President of IBA. As always, the General Assembly will include an engaging program for both members and the general public, with a strong focus on regional issues that echo the curatorial approach set by Hoor Al Qasimi as Artistic Director of the 25th Biennale of Sydney.

Those interested in attending are requested to complete our Program Confirmation Form.

IBA 13th General Assembly
REMEMORY: Living Solidarities, Embodied Futures

Schedule of Events
Last Updated: June 6, 2026

Do note that items in this schedule are subject to change in the coming weeks. Should you have any questions about the program, please get in touch with us at info@biennialassociation.org.

*Registration through the IBA Office is required for these events.

 

Mon, 8 June 2026 – Recommended Arrivals

This is a public holiday in Australia, which will affect some business operations. For example, most offices will be closed, some museums/galleries will be closed, and most cafes and restaurants will still be open, but have special public holiday surcharges.

 

Tue, 9 June 2026 – Tours of the 25th Biennale of Sydney

  • 12:00-12:30 Registration Check for Tours @ White Bay Power Station (Info Hub) – Robert St, Rozelle NSW 2039, Australia MAP
  • 12:30-16:30 Tours of the 25th Biennale of Sydney: White Bay Power Station, Art Gallery of NSW (Registration Required)*
    • 12:30-13:30 Tour White Bay Power Station
    • 13:30 Bus departs from White Bay Power Station, drops off at Chau Chak Wing Museum
    • 14:00-15:00 Tour Chau Chak Wing Museum
    • 15:00 Bus departs from Chau Chak Wing Museum, drops off at Art Gallery NSW
    • 15:30-17:00 Tour Art Gallery of NSW 
    • 17:00 Bus departs from Art Gallery of NSW
      • 5:00 PM-5:10 PM Travel to Central Station (if Central Station drop-off required)
      • 5:15 PM Depart Central Station
      • 5:15 PM-5:30 PM Travel to PARKROYAL Darling Harbour
    • 18:00 Informal Gathering at Bungalow 8 – 3 Lime St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia MAP

 

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 – Focus Groups

  • 09:00-12:00 IBA 25th Board Meeting (Board Members Only)
  • 12:30-13:00 Registration Check for Focus Groups @ Chau Chak Wing Museum – University Pl, Camperdown NSW 2050, Australia MAP
  • 13:00-16:30 Focus Groups (Registration Required)* @ Chau Chak Wing Museum

Focus Groups

IBA’s Focus Groups are conceived as closed working sessions, creating a space for candid, experience-based exchange among biennial practitioners. Rather than public discussions, these sessions are structured to address the concrete conditions under which biennials operate today.

Biennials are approached not as stable formats, but as practices continuously adapting to conditions of uncertainty. Focus Groups aim to foster mutual support, collective reflection, and the development of shared approaches to navigating the topics described below.

Archives and Memory
Networks of Solidarity, Alliances and Cooperation
Education and Outreach
IBA Sustainability and Structural Review (IBA Members Only)
Cultural Safety Within Biennial Contexts

  • 16:45-17:00 Doors Open for Ming Tiampo Keynote @ Chau Chak Wing Museum – University Pl, Camperdown NSW 2050, Australia MAP
  • 17:00-18:00 Keynote: Ming Tiampo @ Chau Chak Wing Museum

 

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 – Public Program

  • 08:45-09:00 Doors Open for Public Conference @ Chau Chak Wing Museum – University Pl, Camperdown NSW 2050, Australia MAP
  • 09:00-16:00 Public Conference

REMEMORY: Living Solidarities, Embodied Futures

Speakers include curators Reem Fadda, Nav Haq, Ryan Inouye, Bruce Johnson McLean and Michael Dagostino, artists Gabriela Golder, Benjamin Work and Helen Grace, with scholars Latoya Aroha Rule, Katerina Teaiwa and Brett Neilson. Click the link above for more information.

  • 18:30-19:30 Words on art: The writings of Okwui Enwezor (Ticketed Event) @ Museum of Contemporary Art Australia – 140 George St, The Rocks NSW 2000, Australia MAP
    • Register at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia
    • Co-presented by the Power Institute and MCA Australia, join Suzanne Cotter, Terry Smith, Louise Neri, Daniel Boyd, and Daniel Browning for an event to mark the publication of Okwui Enwezor: Selected Writings.

 

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 – Tours + Biennale of Sydney’s Final Art After Dark

  • 09:00-09:30 Registration Check for General Assembly Formalities @ Chau Chak Wing Museum – University Pl, Camperdown NSW 2050, Australia MAP
  • 09:30-10:30 General Assembly Formalities (IBA Members Only)
  • 10:30-11:00 Registration Check for Tours @ Chau Chak Wing Museum – University Pl, Camperdown NSW 2050, Australia MAP
  • 10:30-17:00 Tours of the 25th Biennale of Sydney: Lewers: Penrith Regional Gallery and Campbelltown Arts Centre (Registration Required)*
    • 11:00 Bus departs from Chau Chak Wing Museum, drops off at Lewers: Penrith Regional Gallery
    • 12:00-14:00 Lunch Break & Tour Lewers: Penrith Regional Art Gallery
    • 14:00 Bus departs from Lewers: Penrith Regional Gallery, drops off at Campbelltown Arts Centre
    • 15:00-16:00 Tour Campbelltown Arts Centre
    • 16:00 Bus departs from Campbelltown Arts Centre
      • 5:00 PM Arrive at Chau Chak Wing Museum
      • 5:10 PM Depart Chau Chak Wing Museum (if Central Station drop-off required)
      • 5:10 PM-5:25 PM Travel to Central Station
  • 18:00-19:00 Carolyn Christov-Bakargiev in Conversation with Elizabeth Ann MacGregor (Free Public Event, Registration Required) @ Chau Chak Wing Museum – University Pl, Camperdown NSW 2050, Australia MAP
    • Register at the Chau Chak Wing Museum
    • Organised by the Chau Chak Wing Museum, hear Carolyn Christov-Bakargiev in conversation and learn from one of the most influential figures in the international contemporary art world. More information may be found here.
  • 18:00-23:00 Biennale of Sydney Art After Dark: Last Light, presented with VIVID Sydney (Free Admission, Pre-registration Required) @ White Bay Power Station – Robert St, Rozelle NSW 2039, Australia MAP
    • Register at the Biennale of Sydney.
    • Organised by the Biennale of Sydney. For one last night, the iconic industrial space surges with energy — reimagined as a two-stage street party where music, movement and contemporary art collide.

 

Sat, 13 Jun 2026 – 25th Biennale of Sydney Programming

 

Sun, 14 Jun 2026 – Last Day of the 25th Biennale of Sydney

Biennale of Sydney Events for Early Arrivals

For any delegates who might be in Sydney before the events of IBA’s 13th General Assembly, please find below some programming from the Biennale of Sydney.

Fri, 5 Jun 2026

Sun, 7 Jun 2026

Other Events in Sydney

In addition to IBA’s 13th General Assembly and the closing days of the 25th Biennale of Sydney, there will be events taking place simultaneously in the region. Do consider including them in your itinerary to make the most of your time in Sydney.

Vivid Sydney
22 May – 13 June
Website

We recommend checking out any of the following food events while in town:

 

Sydney Film Festival
3 June, 2026 – 14 June, 2026
Website

Travelling to Sydney

Passport and Visa

All international visitors must hold a valid passport and obtain a visa before entering Australia. Most tourists can apply online for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or eVisitor visa, depending on their nationality. Please check the official Australian immigration website for eligibility and application details.

ETA-eligible passport holders must apply for an ETA using the Australian ETA app, which can be downloaded for free from the App Store (Apple) or Google Play (Android).

Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD)

Sydney Airport is well connected to the city and surrounding regions. Located only 10km away from the city centre, a range of transport options are available depending on preference.

Please note that Australia has strict customs and biosecurity laws. Read more about what you can and can’t bring into the country here.

Arrival

The international hall offers all essential services, including currency exchange, ATMs, travel SIM cards and e-SIM providers, and airport concierge desks.

Where private meet-and-greet or chauffeur services have been arranged, drivers will be waiting in the arrivals area with clear identification.

Transport from Sydney International Airport

Private Transfer: Private transfers can be arranged in advance for direct travel from the airport to accommodation or venues. (SAM)

Car Hire: Sydney has a number of local and international car hire agencies. The hire rate per day for a standard vehicle starts from AUD $62 per day. The minimum age for care hire is 21, and an international driver’s license is required. At Sydney International Airport, car hire desks are available.

Taxi: Taxis operate from the official taxi rank outside the T1 international arrivals terminal. Approximate fare to the CBD is AUD $60. Travel time is 20 – 30 minutes.

Rideshare: Ridshare services operate from a designated pick-up area just outside the T1 international arrivals terminal. Follow the signs for “Priority Pick-up” or “Rideshare”.

Airport Link Train: The Airport Link Train connects directly to Sydney’s city centre. Direct services run every 15 minutes, with the average adult fare costing $20 for a one-way trip from the airport.

Accommodations in Sydney

For information about where to eat, drink, and stay during your time in Sydney, please refer to these recommendations from the Biennale of Sydney.

PARKROYAL Darling Harbour, Sydney, has partnered with the 25th Biennale of Sydney to bring you the ultimate comfort and convenience throughout the Biennale season. Included in this package is 15% discount on the best available rates, daily buffets breakfast for up to two adults, and a welcome cheese platter and bottle of sparkling wine. Located just a 10-minute drive away from White Bay Power Station, enjoy the luxury while being close to the Biennale.

Discover more about this exclusive offer at Biennale of Sydney Stay.

The Ace Hotel is an effortlessly cool boutique hotel on the edge of CBD is Sydney’s stylish Surry Hills, with easy access to shopping, nightlife, and Sydney’s trendiest cafes and restaurants. The hotel is best known for its moody lobby restaurant and bar that is perfect for daytime co-working and later a night out. The Ace Hotel is only a 10 minute drive to White Bay Power Station.

For booking and reservations, visit Ace Hotel.

A former film studio meets luxury in this boutique hotel in Surry Hills. Paramount House Hotel is built brick space filled with plants, a health club upstairs and an underground cinema and bar downstairs. This is the place to stay if you want arts, culture, nightlife and light-filled rooms with private patios. Sydney Harbour is 20 minutes on foot, and just around the corner is Sydney’s Central Train Station – public transport galore.

For booking and reservations, visit Paramount House Hotel.

Set in the “poem of stone” of historic buildings in Sydney’s CBD, Capella is a contemporary luxury hotel hidden inside heritage architecture. Located in the heart of Sydney, Capella is for the city lovers. Bars, restaurants, and shopping at your doorstop. The hotel is only minutes away on foot to Sydney Harbour, the Art Gallery of NSW and a 10 minute drive to White Bay Power Station.

For booking and reservations, visit Capella Sydney.

A boutique luxury hotel located on the heritage-listed Wooloomooloo wharf right on Sydney Harbour, offering stunning water views. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney Opera House and CBD are just a short walk away. Equipped with a swimming pool and fitness centre, Ovolo Sydney is a 15 minute drive to White Bay Power Station.

For booking and reservations, visit Ovolo Hotels Sydney.

THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS

We extend our deepest gratitude to our members for their ongoing support in our mission and to our partners for their efforts and contributions in making this event possible.

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