The article previews several major biennials scheduled for 2026, including the 61st Venice Biennale, the 25th Sydney Biennale, and the 16th Gwangju Biennale. The Venice Biennale will proceed posthumously under the vision of curator Koyo Kouoh, who died in May 2025; she was the first African woman appointed to curate the event. The Sydney Biennale, themed "Rememory" and inspired by Toni Morrison, will be directed by Hoor Al Qasimi, while the Gwangju Biennale will be led by Singaporean artist Ho Tzu Nyen, focusing on collective artistic responses to global crises.
These biennials matter because they represent some of the most influential recurring platforms for contemporary art worldwide, shaping discourse and showcasing emerging and established artists. The Venice Biennale's decision to honor Kouoh's curatorial plan posthumously underscores the importance of preserving artistic vision, while the Sydney and Gwangju editions highlight a growing emphasis on decolonizing histories and addressing urgent social and environmental issues through art.