Current Grants

Biennale of Sydney

Since 1973, The Biennale of Sydney has presented bold and innovative contemporary art from around the world that has challenged the status quo, promoted cultural exchange and inspired audiences to experience art, themselves and their world in new and creative ways. The Biennale enlivens Sydney's public spaces with contemporary art that engages the community with the City’s spectacular museums and harbour. The free exhibition is attended by over half a million people and is presented at some of Sydney's finest harbour side sites and galleries including; the Museum of Contemporary Art, Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney Opera House, Artspace, The Royal Botanic Garden, Cockatoo Island and Sydney's only remaining undeveloped historical wharf - Pier 2/3 in Walsh Bay.

The Balnaves Foundation is a dedicated supporter of the Biennale of Sydney because of its importance in allowing all of Sydney, free of charge, the benefit of experiencing the best of contemporary art from around the world.

For the 2008 Biennale 'REVOLUTIONS - Forms that turn', The Balnaves Foundation co-funded a free ferry service for the public to get to the exhibitions on Cockatoo Island and Pier 2/3 at Walsh Bay. This ferry service was used by 86,846 people and contributed to the 38% increase of visitors for the 2008 Sydney Biennale.

The 17th Biennale of Sydney (2010), ‘THE BEAUTY OF DISTANCE: Songs of Survival in a Precarious Age’ the Balnaves Foundation again co-funded the free ferry service. Over 124,958 people used the ferry to get out to Cockatoo Island, an increase of 82% from the 2008 Biennale! This has cemented Cockatoo Island as the principle location for the Biennale of Sydney.

For more information on the 2010 and 2012 Biennale of Sydney please visit www.biennaleofsydney.com.au