NIRIN reopens with extended dates

“As we grapple with the effects of the coronavirus crisis, it is right that art is at the centre of our recovery – and I look forward to visiting the Biennale of Sydney soon,” said Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore about the reopening of NIRIN.

The Biennale of Sydney has announced that the physical exhibition spaces of NIRIN, the biennale’s 22nd edition, will reopen from June 16, with some venues opening from 1 June 2020.

As fair organisers worked swiftly to take the exhibition online following COVID-19 social isolation restrictions, the reopening will see the 700 artworks by 101 artists and collectives from around the world viewable to the public once more.

“Now, more than ever, we need art to connect, collaborate and heal – all core themes of NIRIN,” says BOS CEO Barbara Moore. “Reopening the 22nd Biennale of Sydney with extended exhibition dates gives people an opportunity to enjoy some of the best contemporary art from around the world, and there is no better way to do that than through a physical experience.”

The exhibition was due to conclude on 8 June 2020 but following an announcement by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian that museums and galleries will be permitted to reopen next month, the Biennale of Sydney rallied partner arts organisations to extend the exhibition period.

While long-time Biennale partner Google created a virtual experience to bring exhibition and programs to life after their forced closure just 10 days after opening, the reopening will do organisers and artists due justice.

The 22nd Biennale of Sydney will be open free to the public from 16 June to 6 September 2020.

Exhibition dates at each venue are as follows:

Art Gallery of New South Wales 1 June – 27 September 2020

Artspace 1 June – 27 September 2020

Campbelltown Arts Centre 1 June – 11 October 2020

Cockatoo Island 16 June – 6 September 2020

Museum of Contemporary Art Australia 16 June – 6 September 2020 (closing date TBC)

You can check NIRIN’s website here for more details about the reopening.

Image: Tony Albert installation at National Art School, Sydney.