Adelaide Biennial of Australian Art

The nation’s longest-running survey of contemporary Australian art, held every two years since 1990.

Known for its risk taking and expansive vision, each iteration of the Adelaide Biennial responds to a different theme or premise. Featuring the latest works of art by leading contemporary artists from all corners of the country, the Adelaide Biennial is defined by experimentation and innovation, and is known for its role in accelerating the careers and profiles of Australian artists.

2026 Adelaide Biennial of Australian Art Curator Announcement


We are thrilled to announce Ellie Buttrose as curator of the 2026 Adelaide Biennial of Australian Art. Buttrose’s appointment follows the outstanding success at this year’s Venice Biennale.

For the first time ever, under her curation, Australia won the prestigious Golden Lion award for Best National Participation at the Venice Biennale. The Australia Pavilion has been transformed into a dramatic installation by Kamilaroi and Bigambul artist Archie Moore titled kith and kin - a sprawling hand-drawn family tree extending back 65,000 years and memorial to First Nations peoples who have died in police custody.

Of her appointment, Buttrose says, 'I am honoured to be selected as the Curator of the 2026 Adelaide Biennial of Australian Art. The Biennial is unique in the Australian arts calendar in term of its curatorial ambitions and I look forward to contributing to its rich history through my collaborations with artists, arts writers and historians, and the AGSA team.’

Presented in association with the Adelaide Festival, with generous support received from the Art Gallery of South Australia Biennial Ambassadors Program and Principal Donor The Balnaves Foundation. This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body and by the Visual Arts and Craft Strategy, an initiative of the Australian, State and Territory Governments.

Principal Donor
  • The Balnaves Foundation Logo
  • Australia Council Visual Arts and Craft Strategy
  • Government of South Australia
  • South Australian Tourism Commission
  • Adelaide Festival
  • LK 2025
  • Copyright Agency Cultural Fund
  • EOS by SkyCity

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