Panel Discussion: Why curators need biennials

Join José Da Silva, Bruce Johnson McLean, Mikala Tai and Kyle Weise as they respond to the 2026 Adelaide Biennial of Australian Art: Yield Strength. Speakers will reflect on the changing role for the biennial curator and share aspirations for the future of biennial models.

José Da Silva is an Australian curator and the Director of UNSW Galleries, Sydney. In 2024, he curated the 18th Adelaide Biennial of Australian Art: Inner Sanctum, and is the current Chair of University Art Museums Australia.

Bruce Johnson McLean is a member of the Wierdi people of Wribpid (Belyando River region in Central Queensland) and has over 25 years’ professional experience in the sector, primarily as a writer, curator, advisor and consultant. Bruce is currently the Fondation Cartier First Nations Curatorial Fellow through the Biennale of Sydney, while still maintaining an independent practice working on many projects nationally and internationally.

Mikala Tai is an independent writer, curator and cultural strategist based in Sydney. A specialist in contemporary Australian and Asian art, she has collaborated with local, national, and international organisations to strengthen cultural connections between Australia and Asia.

Kyle Weise is Curator at the University of Queensland Art Museum and co-commissioner of Charlie Sofo's presentation in 2026 Adelaide Biennial of Australian Art. He has a longstanding involvement with artist-led organisations and was previously curator at Metro Arts and co-founded and co-directed Screen Space and Kuiper Projects.