May 30–June 2, 2016
The International Biennial Association’s 3rd General Assembly was a grand platform where members from 43 countries shared the value of biennial production and their critical receptions. Featuring keynote speakers Homi Bhabha, Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi and John Thackara, the public conference welcomed members and the public to share information between biennial makers and their consumers. Homi Bhabha of Harvard University exposed the concept of the internal immigrant, relating it to the current migration crisis of migrants fleeing Syria and seeking refuge in Europe. While focusing on various artistic works and the definition of home, Bhabha’s lecture left members with the ever thought-provoking question: What is the home that the biennial provides for contemporary culture?
Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi, President of the Sharjah Art Foundation, examined the foundation’s contributions to art and culture in the 21st century and communicated the significance of understanding a biennial’s purpose in the community. Al Qasimi stressed that awareness of audience is key. Finally, John Thackara, economist, writer and founder of the blog Doors of Perception, spoke of economic challenges and the sustainability of biennial making.
An intriguing panel discussion on emerging biennials and biennial making in developing countries shed light on the resistance that biennial development can face around the world. Moderated by Beral Madra (Çanakkale Biennial), the panel reflected the diversity of international biennials as they recounted past challenges and looked toward the future. Panelists included Alisa Prudnikova (Ural Industrial Biennial of Contemporary Art), Lisa Howie (Bermuda Biennial), Marc Schmitz (Land Art Mongolia) and Wato Tsereteli (Tbilisi Triennial).
IBA also invited four Advisory Members, including Adriano Pedrosa (Sao Paulo Museum of Art), Annette Kulenkampff (CEO, Documenta), Christine Tohme (Lebanese Association for Plastic Arts Ashkal Alwan) and Yangwoo Park (President, Gwangju Biennale Foundation). Two additional Board Members were also voted to serve on the Board, Alisa Prudnikova (Ural Industrial Biennial of Contemporary Art) and Sylvie Fortin (La Biennale de Montreal).
The next IBA conference will be an International Congress focusing on the idea of biennial culture in the 21st century and into the future. Located in Shanghai, China this September 3 and 4, the conference and 6th Board Meeting will be hosted by Shanghai Project, a new form of interdisciplinary biennial, in association with PSA (Power Station of Art).
Upcoming events
–IBA International Congress and 6th Board Meeting, Shanghai, China, September 3 and 4, 2016
–7th Board Meeting and Conference, spring 2017
–4th General Assembly and 8th Board Meeting, fall 2017
Connect with an IBA Membership
IBA members receive many member benefits, including invitations to the General Assembly and other IBA conferences. Members may also connect online using the IBA website’s Interactive Space, through which networking and the communication of ideas is highly encouraged. Additionally, new members receive a Membership Card that grants access to all events organized by IBA as well as free admission to those institutions participating in our Free Admission Program.
The three member categories include Individual, Institutional and Associate. Individual and Institutional members are able to vote for IBA representatives. All members are encouraged to be active participants of the association.
Applications are accepted through the IBA website.
For inquiries, please contact: info [at] biennialassociation.org.
International Biennial Association (IBA)
111 Biennale-ro, 3rd Floor
Buk-gu, Gwangju, Republic of Korea 61104
T +82 62 608 4132 / F +82 62 608 4139
IBA’s 3rd General Assembly was hosted by the Triennale of Milan and organized by the IBA Office.
