Biennale of Sydney

About Us

The Biennale of Sydney acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country, in particular the Gadigal people on whose land the Biennale of Sydney is located. We recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture and pay our respect to Elders, past, present and emerging.

The Biennale of Sydney is one of the leading international contemporary art events. It plays an indispensable role in Australia’s engagement with the world, and a meaningful role in the life of the nation. The Biennale presents the most dynamic contemporary art from around the globe in venues across Sydney with exhibitions that ignite and surprise people, sparking dialogue, cultivating connections and inspiring action through meaningful, shared arts experiences. The Biennale of Sydney amplifies the voices of artists and tell the stories of our global communities, as they drive momentum for lasting cultural change.

Established in 1973, it is the third oldest biennial in the world after Venice and São Paulo and the largest exhibition of its kind in Australia. The Biennale of Sydney has commissioned and presented exceptional works of art by more than 2,400 national and international artists from more than 130 countries.

The 25th Biennale of Sydney will take place 7 March – 8 June 2026.

Board of Directors

Kate Mills (Chairman)
Kate Mills MAICD FIML is an experienced company director, commercial lawyer, policy adviser and consultant on corporate governance and strategy. Kate was a Founding Director of the Inner City Legal Centre Foundation, the Creative Music Fund, and a board member of the Refugee Advice & Casework Service. Kate is a member of international and national visual and performing arts institutions, and an avid collector.

Matt Crocker (Deputy Chairman)
Matt Crocker is a leading public policy professional. As Policy Director for three NSW Premiers over the last decade, Matt has developed unique expertise in government, policy development and strategy. In the corporate sector, Matt was COO of health insurer Manchester Unity and has been a senior advisor on public policy and corporate reputation issues for Westpac. Matt now works on infrastructure project development at Plenary Group and is a strategic advisor at University of Technology Sydney, and a Director of the Sydney Institute of Marine Science.

Geoffrey Cassidy
Geoffrey Cassidy is an experienced arts administrator and expert in Australian and International Art. Presently the CEO of herringbone Fine Art Systems and Transport, He is a former Director of Sothebys Worldwide and the former Director of Artbank, The Federal Government Arts support initiative. As such he has broad experience in both the commercial and institutional aspects of the Art world. He believes in the relevance and importance of art to national identity, and specialises in art curation, advisory and arts management. In another life Geoffrey was also a supporting solicitor in the Queensland Native Title Unit, where he assisted on major litigation to determine the effect of pastoral leases on Aboriginal land rights.

Ruby Langton-Batty (Company Secretary)
Ruby Langton-Batty is a graduate of law (UNSW) in training to become a solicitor and currently working as a paralegal at the Paul Ramsay Foundation in Sydney. She has a Bachelor of Production Design from the Victorian College of the Arts and worked as a professional stage and screen designer prior to studying law. She has a diverse experience in editing, writing, research, entertainment and media with a passion for all forms of art. She was born in Alice Springs and is a descendant of the Bidjara and Yiman people in Central Queensland.

Danielle Earp
Danielle Earp is currently the Senior Exhibitions Manager at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Her managerial and directorial experience spans two decades working for visual arts and cultural organisations including; Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney Living Museums, Biennale of Sydney, Sherman Contemporary Art Foundation, Sherman Galleries and 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art.

Johanna Featherstone
Johanna Featherstone is the Founder and former Artistic Director of Red Room Poetry where she established a national poetry education program for schools and correctional centres in New South Wales. Her poetry has been featured in a range of journals and anthologies, and she is currently Director of the Oranges & Sardines Foundation and on the Belvoir board. Johanna is an honorary associate of the University of Sydney’s School Arts and Media and has judged a number of awards including the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards and JB Fairfax Award for Rural and Regional Journalism.

Anne Flanagan
Anne Flanagan, former deputy director of the Art Gallery of New South Wales, is one of Australia’s most respected art museum leaders. During her 23 years at AGNSW she was responsible for exhibitions and major capital project delivery including Yiribana gallery for Indigenous art, the Asian gallery expansion, John Kaldor Family Gallery and the masterplan for the Gallery expansion. She is a director of Bundanon Trust and a member of the project control group for Sydney Modern, AGNSW.

Evan Kaldor
Evan Kaldor is CEO of The Parent Brand, Australia’s leading digital media company focused on families from pregnancy to preschool. The Parent Brand produces written, video and audio content across the Babyology and Kinderling brands. Evan was the General Manager of FBi Radio, a non-profit community radio station in Sydney focused on supporting local bands and artists, and has a background in investment banking, where he worked for Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley and Grange Securities, both in Australia and the US.

Emma Perera
Emma Perera is an experienced and passionate media professional who has managed some of Australia’s most popular print brands over the last 15 years. She is currently a director at Universal Media Co and has a background in law. Early in her career Emma volunteered her time to the Arts Law Centre of Australia, a not-for-profit that provides advice to artists and creative communities and is the preeminent authority on artists’ rights and arts law in Australia.

Adelle Robinson
Adelle Robinson is a descendant of the Wiradjuri people and has over 20 years’ experience producing some of Australia’s largest music festivals including Field Day, Harbourlife, Shore Thing and Listen Out. Having worked across Australia’s most unique and sensitive venues Adelle has led the way for best practise in event management and event stakeholder liaison. As Chair and committee member of the Australian Festival Association Adelle has worked as member of the NSW Music Festivals Regulatory Round Table and she gave evidence at the 2019 Parliamentary Inquiry in Music Festival Regulation. Adelle is currently undertaking a Graduate Certificate of Wiradjuri Language Culture and Heritage through Charles Sturt University.

James Roth
James has over 30 years’ experience in accounting and finance working with Deutsche bank, UBS, Schroders and Arthur Andersen. He is a Director of Craig’s investment partners in New Zealand and is currently a patron of the Asian Australian Artist Association as well as a member of the Asian Art Archive.

Khaled Sabsabi
Khaled Sabsabi is an acclaimed contemporary artist who works across borders, cultures and disciplines. He has exhibited in over 80 solo and group exhibitions in Australia and internationally, showcasing his work in the 9th Shanghai Biennale (2012), Sharjah Biennial 11 (2013), 5th Marrakech Biennale (2014), 1st Yinchuan Biennale (2016), 3rd Kochi Muziris Biennale (2016) and Adelaide Biennial of Australian Art (2018). Sabsabi was awarded the Helen Lempriere Travelling Art Scholarship (2010), 60th Blake Prize (2011) and the NSW Government’s Western Sydney Arts Fellowship (2015). Sabsabi migrated from Tripoli, Lebanon to Australia as a child in 1977. He holds a Master of Fine Arts from the University of New South Wales.

Chris Wirasinha
Chris Wirasinha is the co-founder of Pedestrian.tv, Australia’s largest youth focused publishing brand. Chris co-founded Pedestrian in 2005 when he was just 22 years old. Pedestrian.tv won back-to-back Mumbrella Media Brand of the Year Awards and is Australia’s most successful digital publishing startup. Prior to co-founding Pedestrian, Chris worked at global media and advertising agency Universal McCann.

Committees & Advisors

Benefaction Committee
Johanna Featherstone (Convenor)
Emilya Colliver
Ruby Langton-Batty
Emma Perera
Khaled Sabsabi
Alyce Tran

Finance, Audit, Risk & Compliance Committee
Geoffrey Cassidy (Convenor)
Anne Flanagan
Evan Kaldor
Adelle Robinson
James Roth

Artistic Director Search Committee:
Anne Flanagan (Convenor)
Brook Andrew
Dr Michael Brand
Johanna Featherstone
Alexie Glass-Kantor
Liz Ann Macgregor
Barbara Moore
Khaled Sabsabi

Digital & Programming Committee
Evan Kaldor
Chris Wirasinha
Tea Uglow, Digital Advisor

Tea Uglow (Digital Advisor)
For over ten years, Tea Uglow has worked with various artists and cultural organisations, investigating the intersection between technology and the arts. She is currently creative director of Google Creative Lab in Sydney and in 2018, Tea was recognised as one of Australia’s #OUT50 LGBTQ Leaders by Deloitte. Tea has also served on the board for the Australasian Writers & Art Directors Association and the Design & Art Directors Guild.

Our People | Biennale of Sydney

Barbara Moore, Chief Executive Officer
Charlotte Galleguillos, Deputy Director
Samantha Sudarman, Executive Assistant to the CEO

Hoor Al Qasimi, 25th Artistic Director

Bruce McLean, Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain First Nations Curatorial Fellow

Tim Barker, Head of Production
Matt Woodham, Operations and Site Manager
Deborah Jones, Registrar
Gotaro Uematsu, Audio Visual Manager
Julia Greenstreet, Exhibition Manager (parental leave)
Fredrika Mackenzie, Exhibition Manager (acting)
Alicia Hollier, Exhibition Coordinator
Billie Phillips, Assistant Curator
Michael Kennedy, Producer

Aishlinn McCarthy, Head of Communications
Andrew Dillon, Impact and Engagement Manager
Emma Moser, Marketing Coordinator

Charli Pope, Grants and Advocacy Manager
Louise Villar, Development Coordinator
Felicia Cindyagatha, Development Coordinator

Cate Peat, Head of Corporate Services
Elizabeth Nguyen, Finance Manager
Jasmine Stephens, Office Manager

Join the Team

The Biennale of Sydney is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity in the workplace.

 

Head of Development

APPLYING FOR THE ROLE 

Applicants to mark subject line in email as ‘Confidential’ and address the selection criteria must be received by 5pm on Wednesday, 11 December 2024. 

Your application must include the following:  

  • a cover letter outlining how you meet the selection criteria;  
  • a current CV; and  
  • the names and daytime contacts of at least two (2) professional referees.  


Email to: employment@biennaleofsydney.com.au  

Subject line: Application | Head of Development 

Only applications sent to the above employment@ email address will be considered. Applications that do not address the selection criteria will not be considered. 

 

 

BIENNALE OF SYDNEY 

The Biennale of Sydney acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country, in particular the Gadigal people on whose land the Biennale of Sydney is located. We recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture and pay our respect to Elders, past and present. 

The Biennale of Sydney is one of the leading international contemporary art events. It plays an indispensable role in Australia’s engagement with the world, and a meaningful role in the life of the nation. The Biennale presents the most dynamic contemporary art from around the globe in venues across Sydney with exhibitions that ignite and surprise people, sparking dialogue, cultivating connections, and inspiring action through meaningful, shared arts experiences.  

Established in 1973, it is the third oldest biennial in the world after Venice and São Paulo and the largest exhibition of its kind in Australia. The Biennale of Sydney has commissioned and presented exceptional works of art by more than 2,400 national and international artists from more than 132 countries and territories. 

 

WORKING FOR THE BIENNALE OF SYDNEY 

The Biennale of Sydney fosters a collaborative and respectful workplace culture, with a team as diverse as the exhibitions we present and the audiences who experience them. We actively encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ people, people with disability and those who have diverse experiences of our world to join the Biennale of Sydney team.  

We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a positive, barrier-free recruitment process and supportive workplace. If you are applying for a position and have support or access requirements, let us know in your application or by contacting the nominated person in the advertisement. 

The Biennale of Sydney believes that art should be accessible to all. Thanks to our generous supporters, our exhibitions are presented with free admission. For our employees, we provide professional development opportunities to enrich and develop your love of the arts while valuing the specific skills and experiences you bring to the Biennale of Sydney. As a not-for-profit organisation, we also offer salary packaging options. 

 

ROLE STATEMENT  

Position Title: Head of Development 

Department: Development 

Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer 

Direct Reports: 3 

Contract term: Full Time, ongoing  

Remuneration: competitive salary in line with the current market rates 

 

POSITION DESCRIPTION  

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Head of Development is a key player in driving the growth and success of the Biennale. They will be an experienced senior manager responsible for identifying new fundraising opportunities, cultivating and developing relationships with partners and benefactors, and planning, executing and evaluating the Biennale’s fundraising programs. 

  

SELECTION CRITERIA 

Based on an application addressing the Essential Criteria, Curriculum Vitae and, for selected candidates, an interview and references, the Biennale of Sydney needs to be satisfied that the applicant meets the following criteria:
 

Essential Criteria 
  • Strong leadership experience and the ability to manage and support a development team  
  • At least 5 years relevant professional experience, including at least three years recent experience with a high performing Development team. 
  • Ability to create and strengthen stakeholder relationships 
  • Confidence in financial literacy with the ability to forecast accurately and adapt strategies to attain required outcomes 
Desirable Criteria 
  • Knowledge of the art sector. 
  • A keen interest in, and commitment to, the work of Biennale of Sydney and knowledge and understanding of the arts markets. 

 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

Leadership 
  • In collaboration with the CEO and leadership team, develop revenue strategies that ensure the financial sustainability of the organisation 
  • Strategically plan and maintain a balance of income streams including major partnerships, sponsorships and donations that drive the budgeted financial outcomes 
  • Actively build and maintain strong relationships with all stakeholders 
  • Be a champion to promote and raise the public profile of the Biennale of Sydney and confidently represent the organisation to all stakeholders 
  • In collaboration with the Head of Corporate Services, prepare and manage budgets and monitor the financial performance of the revenue raising effort and the Development department 
  • Report on Development activities and effectiveness of campaigns, identifying risks and proposing changes as required 
  • Ensure acquittals are managed accurately and on time 
  • Seek to expand the range of revenue streams and formulate strategies to incorporate them into the organisation’s business model 
Philanthropy   
  • Formulate and manage a philanthropy program and report to the CEO and Board on its effectiveness 
  • Identify opportunities where benefactor’s interests are catered for and the Biennale can maximise potential for retention and growth 
  • Develop marketing materials and campaigns that engage and acknowledge the support of benefactors 
Partnerships (Commercial) 
  • Develop and implement initiatives that attract income and meet partner expectations 
  • Collaborate with the CEO, Board members and other stakeholders to identify opportunities in the private sector and secure cash and in-kind benefits for the Biennale 
  • Lead the management of partner relations including the delivery of agreed benefits and contractual requirements 
Partnerships (Government & Government Agencies) 
  • Oversee the preparation of grant applications, reports and acquittals for grants received through international and domestic sources 
  • Liaise across the Biennale team to identify artists, projects and programs which could be promoted as suitable for Government funding 
Event management 

  

  

  

  

  • Lead the Development team in the delivery of a range of events, including fundraising, servicing, and stakeholder events 
  • Review event guest lists, invitations and RSVPs with the CEO, Heads of Department and Development team 
  • Review the success of events against KPI’s of attendance, meeting benefactor or partner needs and funds raised 
Work, Health and Safety (WHS) 
  • All staff are required to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of other personnel (including volunteers and interns) who may be affected by their conduct 
Key Performance Indicators  

  

  • Development and execution of strategies that attain the Biennale’s targeted revenues 
  • Lead the Biennale team to meet supporter expectations 
  • Maintain a high retention rate of supporters across all levels of the Development strategy 
  • Ensure investment in income streams provides appropriate returns 

 

Head of Corporate Services

APPLYING FOR THE ROLE 

Applicants to mark subject line in email as ‘Confidential’ and address the selection criteria must be received by 5pm on Wednesday, 11 December 2024. 

Your application must include the following:  

  • a cover letter outlining how you meet the selection criteria;  
  • a current CV; and  
  • the names and daytime contacts of at least two (2) professional referees.  


Email to: employment@biennaleofsydney.com.au  

Subject line: Application | Head of Corporate Services 

Only applications sent to the above employment@ email address will be considered. Applications that do not address the selection criteria will not be considered. 

 

BIENNALE OF SYDNEY 

The Biennale of Sydney acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country, in particular the Gadigal people on whose land the Biennale of Sydney is located. We recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture and pay our respect to Elders, past and present. 

The Biennale of Sydney is one of the leading international contemporary art events. It plays an indispensable role in Australia’s engagement with the world, and a meaningful role in the life of the nation. The Biennale presents the most dynamic contemporary art from around the globe in venues across Sydney with exhibitions that ignite and surprise people, sparking dialogue, cultivating connections, and inspiring action through meaningful, shared arts experiences.  

Established in 1973, it is the third oldest biennial in the world after Venice and São Paulo and the largest exhibition of its kind in Australia. The Biennale of Sydney has commissioned and presented exceptional works of art by more than 2,400 national and international artists from more than 132 countries. 

 

WORKING FOR THE BIENNALE OF SYDNEY 

The Biennale of Sydney fosters a collaborative and respectful workplace culture, with a team as diverse as the exhibitions we present and the audiences who experience them. We actively encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ people, people with disability and those who have diverse experiences of our world to join the Biennale of Sydney team.  

We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a positive, barrier-free recruitment process and supportive workplace. If you are applying for a position and have support or access requirements, let us know in your application or by contacting the nominated person in the advertisement. 

The Biennale of Sydney believes that art should be accessible to all. Thanks to our generous supporters, our exhibitions are presented with free admission for all to enjoy. For our employees, we provide professional development opportunities to enrich and develop your love of the arts while valuing the specific skills and experiences you bring to the Biennale of Sydney. As a not-for-profit organisation, we also offer salary packaging options. 

 

ROLE STATEMENT  

Position Title: Head of Corporate Services 

Department: Corporate Services 

Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer 

Direct Reports: 2 

Contract term: Full Time, ongoing  

Remuneration: competitive salary in line with the current market rates 

 

POSITION DESCRIPTION  

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Head of Corporate Services will be an experienced senior manager creating and implementing the strategies that govern day-to-day operational activities of the Biennale. This involves overseeing finance, human resources, IT, risk, legal and compliance functions. 

Two staff report directly to this position – a Finance Manager and an Office Manager. 

 

SELECTION CRITERIA 

Based on an application addressing the Essential Criteria, Curriculum Vitae and, for selected candidates, an interview and references, the Biennale of Sydney needs to be satisfied that the applicant meets the following criteria:
 

Essential Criteria 
  • Accounting Accreditation & qualified membership of a professional accounting body 
  • At least 10 years relevant professional experience, including at least three years recent experience with a high performing corporate services team. 
  • Strong business acumen, with the ability to make data-driven decisions and manage complex financial matters. 
  • Strong communication and interpersonal abilities to effectively engage with stakeholders, partners, and the internal team. 
  • Familiarity with not-for-profit statutory obligations, Governance principles and regulations 
  • Excellent computer literacy – including knowledge of Microsoft based applications, Customer Relationship Management databases HR and financial tools. 
Desirable Criteria 
  • Knowledge of the art sector. 
  • A keen interest in, and commitment to, the work of Biennale of Sydney and knowledge and understanding of the arts markets. 

 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

 

Leadership 
  • Advise and support the CEO in the development of the strategic and operational direction to ensure effective planning and efficient allocation of people and resources to meet current and future business needs. 
  • Lead the delivery of efficient, high quality corporate services, driving operational excellence and supporting the organisation’s commitment to financial strength, robust governance, and the highest standards of organisational integrity.  
  • Implement organisational strategies, policies, and procedures to improve both day to day management of the company and delivery of organisational KPIs.  
  • Consult and collaborate effectively with other Heads of Departments, leading the finance, human resources and ICT of the organisation with an informed understanding of the strengths and challenges of each department.  
  • Develop and manage effective relationships and negotiations with colleagues, clients, partners, and other stakeholders that relate to the Corporate Services of the organisation. 
Risk, Compliance and Audit   
  • Maintain accurate financial and statutory records in accordance with the appropriate legislation, including, but not limited to, submitting all statutory documentation for ACNC and the ATO.  
  • Ensure compliance with all corporate governance procedures.  
  • Ensure the Biennale identifies and mitigates risks.  
  • Coordinate Finance Committee meetings 
  • Manage renewal of insurance relating to general and organisation-specific insurance policies.  
  • In conjunction with company solicitors, review legal contracts, agreements and undertakings to ensure they are commercially acceptable and do not unnecessarily expose the Company to risk 
Company Secretary 
  • Discharge all duties as the Company Secretary for the Biennale of Sydney 
  • Ensure that ASIC and Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission records are up to date 
Financial Management  

  

  • Provide expert insights and advice to the CEO on operational strategies, identifying opportunities for optimisation, cost-efficiency, and process improvement. 
  • Prepare and present regular financial reports to the Finance, Audit and Compliance Committee and to the Board of Directors on the financial position of the Company, including cash flow projections. 
  • Develop organisational budgets for each 2-year cycle, including cash flow forecasting and asset procurement for Finance Committee and Board of Directors approval.  
  • Oversee and control financial commitments on behalf of the Company in keeping with approved budgets, financial guidelines and procedures as determined by the CEO and the Board of Directors  
  • Maximise available income for the organisation in accordance with guidelines agreed with the Finance Committee for investment of funding received.  
Human Resources 

  

  

  

  

  • Manage and maintain an effective HR Framework that includes recruitment, performance management, remuneration and benefits, payroll, work health and safety, insurances, team engagement and learning and development.   
  • Ensure organisational compliance with relevant employment laws. 
  • Be a champion for our IT systems ensuring the team is trained and use these to increase efficiency and effectiveness.   
  • Ensure all people and culture initiatives directly speak to, and support, the Biennale of Sydney’s core values and strategic goals.    
  • Coordinate annual reviews for staff, providing feedback, direction and development opportunities for staff. 
  • Oversee the appointment and management of contract staff and external contractors.  
Administration   

and ICT  

  

  • Ensure that corporate services – including office systems and the office environment – are efficient and effective for the Biennale team.  
  • Oversee and maintain day-to-day office administration activities, systems, and equipment – including ICT.  
  • Create fit-for-purpose organisational systems, processes, and policies.  
Work, Health and Safety (WHS) 

 

  • Lead and ensure WHS policies and procedures are up to date, and a culture of safety is maintained. 
  • Ensure policies and practices are compliant with all relevant legislation and are communicated effectively to staff. 
  • Coordinate and manage the WH&S Committee meetings, as required 
  • All staff are required to take reasonable care of their health and safety and other personnel (including volunteers and interns) who may be affected by their conduct. 
Key Performance Indicators  

  

  • Successful delivery of a balanced budget of each Biennale cycle.  
  • Ensure corporate services are efficient and effective.  
  • Ensure that all the organisation’s statutory obligations are fulfilled.  
  • Oversee an effective HR Framework that result in high staff satisfaction and retention.  
  • Ensure a safe, healthy, effective, and secure work environment for all employees, temporary staff, contractors, clients, and visitors.  
  • Ensure the Biennale develops and delivers a sustainable business model.  

 

Exhibition Reports

24th Biennale of Sydney (2024) Exhibition Report

Curated by Cosmin Costinaş and Inti Guerrero, the 24th Biennale of Sydney, held from 9 March to 10 June 2024, featured 402 artworks by 96 artists and collectives, attracting 777,386 visitors to seven exhibition locations.

Learn More Download

23rd Biennale of Sydney (2022) Exhibition Report

Curated by José Roca, the 22nd Biennale of Sydney, held from 12 March until 13 June 2022, featured 330 artworks by 89 participants.

Learn More Download

22nd Biennale of Sydney (2020) Exhibition Report

Under the artistic direction of acclaimed Indigenous Australian artist, Brook Andrew, the 22nd Biennale of Sydney, titled NIRIN, was an artist- and First Nations-led endeavour, presenting an expansive exhibition of contemporary art and events.

Learn More Download

21st Biennale of Sydney (2018) Exhibition Report

The 21st Biennale of Sydney: SUPERPOSITION: Equilibrium & Engagement exhibited works from 70 artists, attracting visitation of more than 850,000 at seven of Sydney’s museums, galleries and non-traditional exhibition spaces.

Learn More Download

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country, in particular the Gadigal people on whose land the Biennale of Sydney is located. We recognise their continuing connection to land, waters, and culture and pay our respect to Elders, past and present.

First Nations people are respectfully advised that this site includes works, names and images of deceased people. This includes cultural practices and artistic intellectual property of a sensitive nature.