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.

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.

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.

Adam Boyton
Adam Boyton has extensive experience across the public and private sectors. He has been a board member of the Centennial Park and Moore Park Trust, the NSW Rural Assistance Authority, the NSW Skills Board and the NSW Rice Marketing Board. Adam has also served on audit and risk committees (including as Chair). As the National Skills Commissioner he led the establishment of the National Skills Commission (NSC), positioning the NSC as a core advisor to Government on labour markets and presenting to Federal and National Cabinet on labour market developments during COVID-19. This governance and public policy background is complemented by extensive private sector experience. Adam has been the Chief Economist at the Business Council of Australia and the Chief Economist and Head of Fixed Income Research at Deutsche Bank Australia. He is currently the head of Australian Economics at ANZ.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Committees & Advisors

Benefaction Committee
Emma Perera (Convenor)
Johanna Featherstone
Khaled Sabsabi
Lourdes Samson
Ruby Langton-Batty

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

Artistic Director Search Committee:
Anne Flanagan (Convenor)
Alexie Glass-Kantor
Barbara Moore
Johanna Featherstone
José Roca
Khaled Sabsabi
Dr Michael Brand
Ruby Langton-Batty
Suzanne Cotter
Tony Albert

Digital & Programming Committee
Chris Wirasinha
Evan Kaldor

Our People | Biennale of Sydney

Barbara Moore, Chief Executive Officer
Samantha Sudarman, Executive Assistant to the CEO

Hoor Al Qasimi, 25th Artistic Director
Bruce Johnson McLean, Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain First Nations Curatorial Fellow

Tim Barker, Head of Production
Matt Woodham, Production Manager
Deborah Jones, Senior Registrar – Gallery Exhibition Manager
Gotaro Uematsu, Audio Visual Manager
Julia Greenstreet, Exhibitions Manager
Fredrika Mackenzie, Production & Exhibitions Manager
Alicia Hollier, Exhibitions Coordinator
Noah Bennett, Production and Events Coordinator
Billie Phillips, Assistant Curator
Michael Kennedy, Producer

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

Samantha Jones, Head of Development
Charli Pope, Grants and Advocacy Manager
Louise Villar, Development Coordinator
Felicia Cindyagatha, Development Coordinator

Cate Peat, Head of Corporate Services
Elizabeth Nguyen, Finance Manager (parental leave)
Mani Manimaran, Finance Manager (parental leave cover)
Jasmine Stephens, Office Manager

Join the Team

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

 

First Nations Assistant Curator

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, 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 tells 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 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 everyone. 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. 

 

APPLYING FOR THE ROLE  

Applicants to mark subject line in email as ‘Confidential’ and address the selection criteria must be received by 5pm on Monday, 31 March 2025. 

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 | First Nations Assistant Curator  

  

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

 

ROLE STATEMENT  

Position Title: First Nations Assistant Curator  

Department: Production  

Remuneration: $78,750 Plus Superannuation  

Contract term: Full time fixed term contract position until June 30th 2026.  

 

POSITION DESCRIPTION  

*This is an identified position. Applicants must be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent, identify as being an Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and be accepted in the community.

The First Nations Assistant Curator will work closely with the Artistic Director and the Production & Exhibitions team to successfully deliver the 25th Biennale of Sydney (2026) to the highest of international exhibition standards.  

The First Nations Assistant Curator will work with First Nations and non-Indigenous artists, providing a unique opportunity to work with some of the world’s leading international contemporary artists, studios and gallerists.  

The First Nations Assistant Curator will work collaboratively with the Assistant Curator and will be responsible for curatorial research and writing of exhibition texts such as work labels, wall texts, and the exhibition guide.  

Additionally, this role will work across all aspects of exhibition planning and delivery, including but not limited to, administration and coordination of artist projects, venue liaison, artwork and exhibition production, exhibition scheduling and budgeting, installation and de-installation of artworks, and ensuring at all times the safe and highest-level presentation of artworks for the duration of the exhibition.  

The position requires strong communication, interpersonal and organisational skills and exceptional attention to detail. Working collaboratively to tight deadlines, the position also requires flexibility, the ability to take initiative, problem-solve and prioritise complex and competing responsibilities, a conscientious and energetic disposition and a passion for contemporary art and working with artists.  

The successful candidate will be part of a highly motivated team of specialist staff; delivering one of the world’s leading contemporary visual arts events. 

 

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  
  • Must be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent, identify as being an Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and be accepted in the community.
  • Ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with First Nations people and foster a culturally safe environment for First Nations artists and communities. 
  • Experience in curatorial research and writing exhibition texts 
  • Knowledge of exhibition delivery and coordination 
  • Confidence in communicating across all stakeholders 
Desirable Criteria  
  • Knowledge of systems used in the arts sector such as Tessitura and Vernon  

  

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

Curatorial  
  • Work collaboratively with the Assistant Curator to support the Artistic Director with curatorial research, preparation of presentations and scheduling of artist meetings. 
  • Liaise with artists, artist representatives and galleries regarding curatorial research material and information required for exhibition texts including work labels, wall texts, the exhibition guide, and Biennale website. 
  • Work closely with the Artistic Director to write, edit and collate exhibition texts such as work labels, wall texts, the exhibition guide and Biennale website entries. 
  • Contribute to the Biennale’s fundraising initiatives by providing artist and project information for grant applications and other funding proposals, as required by the Development team. 
  • Coordinate and maintain all incoming information and material relating to the artists and artist projects. 
  • Ensure artist, artwork information and images on the Biennale of Sydney website, in artist folders and the CRM database are correct.  
  • Deliver talks and guided tours of the exhibition to the public and key stakeholders as required. 
  • Compile curatorial texts, brief Biennale staff and volunteers to ensure they are accurately briefed on curatorial context for artists and artworks. 
  • An appreciation and knowledge of the arts sector and of the issues affecting First Nations people 
  • Ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with First Nations people and foster a culturally safe environment for First Nations artists and communities. 
Exhibition Coordination 

 

  • Serve as the primary point of contact for selected Exhibition Partners and venues, coordinating meetings, documentation and ensuring the Production and Exhibitions team follow up on actions as required.  
  • Work with the Exhibitions Manager and Head of Production on the development and implementation of contractual engagements with collaborators, artists, performers and projects partners and oversee required record management. 
  • Contribute to the Biennale’s fundraising initiatives by providing artist and project information for grant applications and other funding proposals, as required by the Development team. 
  • Provide practical assistance to artists with their projects during installation and assist with deinstall and Biennale managed sites. 
Administration 
  • Maintain contacts in the Biennale’s CRM database. 
  • Assist in the preparation of exhibition department documents and resources, including word processing, excel, image files and databases. 
  • Support with administrative closure and reporting for each exhibition including grant acquittals. 
  • With the Exhibitions Manager and Communications team, oversee installation documentation of works and distribute this to artists and other stakeholders in a timely manner. 
  • Create image captions for installation documentation. 
Exhibition Operations 
  • With the Production & Exhibitions team, assist with the day-to-day running of the exhibition for its duration. 
  • Compile curatorial texts and brief volunteers and Biennale staff on works to support them in communicating the exhibition to visitors. 
  • Conduct tours of the exhibition for Biennale of Sydney stakeholders as required. 
Artist Liaison (may be required) 
  • Liaise with artists and their representatives to coordinate artist travel and itineraries. 
  • Provide visa support for artist travel including preparation and distribution of visa support letters and carrying out VEVO checks to ensure correct visas are in place before travel commences 
  • Develop and distribute artist itineraries  
  • Host visiting artists and other stakeholders as necessary. 
Registration (may be required) 
  • Support the Registration Manager as required including the possible following duties: 
  • Preparation of insurance and indemnity documentation 
  • Uploading information to database software such as Tessitura and Vernon 
  • Schedule artwork deliveries and pick-ups from venues 
  • Check loan and installation requirements are met during installation and when the exhibition is open to the public.  
  • Assist in unpacking / packing of works and making sure condition reports are thorough and filed correctly.  
  • Ensure any incidents or near misses are properly reported.  
Events and Performance (may be required) 
  • Support the Producer in the planning and delivery of the Biennale program across all sites 
  • Coordinate and deliver logistics on public programs including but not limited to schedules, travel, set up of spaces etc.  
  • Liaise with public program participants regarding event requirements  
  • Support FOH and Volunteer team leaders in activating audience engagement and ensuring they are accurately briefed on the program schedule and content.  
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.  
  • Participate in WH&S Committee meetings, as required.  

 

Key Performance Indicators  
  • Curatorial research and writing are completed at a high standard and to deadline. 
  • Exhibition planning is undertaken effectively & efficiently, and all exhibition deadlines are met. 
  • Exhibition is successfully delivered, sites are well presented to accommodate all visitors.  
  • Developed and maintain excellent collaborative relationships both internally and externally. 

 

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.