Hoor Al-Qasimi appointed as Artistic Director of 2026 Sydney Biennale

Hoor Al-Qasimi, a well-known Emirati art curator, has been announced as the Artistic Director for the 25th edition of the Biennale of Sydney, set to take place from March 7 to June 8, 2026. Al-Qasimi, the founder and current president of the Sharjah Art Foundation, brings with her a wealth of experience and a reputation as a dynamic force in the global art community.

With numerous firsts in her career, Al-Qasimi has recently been appointed as the artistic director of the sixth Aichi Triennale in Japan in 2025. Her innovative curatorial practices have solidified her influence on the international art scene, and she is set to bring her unique vision to the Biennale of Sydney.

In a statement, Al-Qasimi expressed her interest in exploring the multicultural community of Sydney and working with local artists and communities to bring new voices to the Biennale. She highlighted the importance of amplifying Indigenous voices both locally and globally, making the event an essential platform for rewriting art history.

Barbara Moore, CEO of the Biennale of Sydney, praised Al-Qasimi’s dedication to fostering international artistic and cultural exchange, calling her a perfect fit to lead the artistic direction of the prestigious event. Moore expressed her excitement at welcoming such a recognized figure to the Biennale team.