NIRIN: 22nd Biennale of Sydney, installation view, 2020, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Sydney. Photograph: Zan Wimberley
Having closed its doors to the public, Biennale of Sydney have announced the initial details of how, in partnership with Google, NIRIN: 22nd Biennale of Sydney will be brought into the homes of audiences around the world. Commencing Monday 6 April, online programming will feature on the Biennale of Sydney’s website and social media channels, providing virtual experiences centred on seven themes that inspire NIRIN.
BILA (River, Environment) focuses on physical environments and changes to local and global communities and will feature playlists and podcasts, setting the tone for the week’s programming. GURRAY (Transformation) will share the voices and perspectives of featured artists, curators and educators, who by discussing new experiences of exhibition spaces, artworks and processes, construct transformation as a tool for change. MURIGUWAL GIILAND (Different Stories) will feature weekly social media takeovers, watch parties and never-before-seen content, hosted by the global community of artists involved in NIRIN. NGAWAAL-GUYUNGAN (Powerful-Ideas: The Power of Objects) will provide performances, readings and conversations to allow artists and audiences to connect, collaborate and express ideas. DHAAGUN (Earth: Sovereignty and Working Together) will be a weekly feature lead by Artistic Director of NIRIN, Brook Andrew, sharing personal insights of the exhibition. YIRAWY-DHURAY (Yam-Connection: Food) will host artists and community leaders sharing their personal favourite recipes, to encourage audiences to gather while in isolation and cook together from kitchens around the globe. BAGARAY-BANG (Healing) will feature a series of intergenerational activities such as workshops, craft projects and readings, to name a few.
In addition, new thematic learning materials will be made available each Tuesday of the 10-week program, including interactive resources, podcasts, artists interviews, videos and tutorials, with topics central to NIRIN such as environmental studies and Indigenous histories and cultures.
Josep Grau-Garriga, installation view, 2020. Photographed in the Grand Courts at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney. Photograph: Zan Wimberley
Chief Executive Officer, Barbara Moore, described NIRIN: 22nd Biennale of Sydney as ‘a global platform for diverse cultures and perspectives, uniting people across the world, stimulating dialogue and inspiring change. Now, more than ever, it is important to find ways to connect, to help each other, listen, collaborate and heal.’
In the coming weeks, details about the updated Google Arts and Culture platform will be released, featuring the 700 artworks which make up NIRIN, 360-degree tours, video walkthroughs and curated content – stay tuned!
