Visit Sydney for the 24th Biennale
Thinking about a vacation in Sydney? There is no better time to visit than for the 24th Biennale of Sydney, Ten Thousand Suns, from 9 March to 10 June.
One of the largest and longest running Biennales in the world, the Biennale of Sydney is a leading contemporary arts event that showcases some of the best art from Australia and beyond. The Biennale will activate five art galleries and museums across Sydney, PLUS initiate the re-opening of heritage listed White Bay Power Station, once an operating coal power station built in the early 20th century. Experience Badu Gili: Celestial illuminating the Sydney Opera House Eastern Bennelong Sails every night after sunset throughout 2024. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore the city and immerse yourself amongst the rich art culture of Sydney.
Exhibition entry is free and there is an extensive lineup of programming including artist talks, live music, panels, performances and workshops. We have something (or everything!) for all ages to enjoy at our Family Days, an entire day packed with FREE programming for the kiddies. Or stay late at White Bay Power Station for a sultry night of Art After Dark on every Wednesday.
Gather your friends and loved ones for an unmissable trip to Sydney for enchanting experience at the 24th Biennale of Sydney.
Accommodation
Visiting museums and art galleries while indulging in world-class contemporary art can take a lot of you. Thankfully, there are plenty of options around the Biennale of Sydney’s locations for you to take a pause, dust off your shoes, and recharge before going onto the next location to see all of Ten Thousand Suns!
We’ve wrapped up some of the most convenient places to stay for the best Ten Thousand Suns experience and for you to make the most of your visit:
- A by Adina – https://abyadina.com/
- Ryokan Gojyuan, Balmain – https://www.ryokangojyuan.com/
- The Pelican Balmain – https://www.thepelican.com.au/balmain.html
- The Merton Hotel – https://themertonhotel.au/
Ten Thousand Suns’ Must See
Program Highlights
Elyas Alavi
Elyas Alavi is a visual artist, currently based in Naarm Melbourne, with a multidisciplinary practice that spans painting, installation, moving image, poetry, and performance.
Alavi’s work for Ten Thousand Suns memorialises the history of ‘Afghan’ cameleers in Australia between 1860 and 1920. See how Alavi honours the stories, songs, history and memory of the cameleer communities through archival images, newspaper, paintings, and music.
Kaylene Whiskey
Kaylene Whiskey, born Mparntwe (Alice Springs), currently working in Indulkana, Australia, is an artist you’re likely familiar with from the 2023 Holiday Artist NGV x Mecca and her iconic, colourful illustrations celebrating her Anangu culture and fabulous women.
Her newly commissioned three-dimension work for the Biennale of Sydney, is the first project of Whiskey’s produced on a large scale! Come into Kaylene Whiskey’s world and be amongst her vibrant universe at Ten Thousand Suns.
Andrew Thomas Huang
Writer-director Andrew Thomas Huang crafts hybrid fantasy worlds and mythical dreamscapes. Huang is no stranger to Sydney with his commission for Vivid Sydney in 2019, titled Austral Flora Ballet. He returns to Sydney for the 24th Biennale, presenting a massive scale of his first ever sculptural work.
Adebunmi Gbadebo
Adebunmi Gbadebo presents sculptural works made out of organic materials collected from True Blue Plantation, in South Carolina. Gbadebo’s pots embodies the relationship between person and place, and confront the violence of America’s slave history in a deeply, moving exhibit.
Ticketing
To see the fantastic, diverse line up of programming to get involved in, please visit our programs page. Our programming features a range of free, free registration and paid events. To register/purchase tickets, simply browse our programs page and add tickets to your cart to ensure a simple, one-time checkout. Your tickets will then be sent directly to your inbox as an e-ticket.
FAQs
Want to know more? See our frequently asked questions here.
Want to be kept in the loop all things Ten Thousand Suns? Sign up to our e-news!
Explore Sydney
For more inspiration, head to Sydney.com
Balmain / Rozelle
The Balmain Rozelle area is one of the most fascinating and exciting areas to visit in Sydney. Located a short distance from White Bay Power Station, the area is famous for its shops, art galleries, pubs, cafes and restaurants as well as a fascinating history. A short trip by bus or ferry from the city, Balmain – Rozelle is a great place to explore. From what were historically blue collar workers suburbs to the trendy Balmain and Rozelle of today the area is a drawcard for residents, Sydneysiders and visitors alike.
At its peak, the Balmain peninsula had 55 pubs and hotels and a succession of colourful publicans. Many have disappeared over time, but the area still has a vibrant pub culture. The Balmain Rozelle Heritage Pub Trail is a celebration of one of the greatest things about Balmain and Rozelle. Take on the whole pub crawl or visit one of the pubs with your families and friends. Enjoy the local atmosphere with live music, cold beer, boutique wines and fine food.
To plan your day out in Balmain / Rozelle, visit the business directory for a guide to the best cafes, restaurants, shops and galleries.