By Dr Billy Gruner
One of the world’s leading contemporary art events has arrived in Sydney, with the 25th Biennale of Sydney, “Rememory”, bringing international artists, ideas and experiences to Western Sydney—including within easy reach of the Hawkesbury.
The Biennale of Sydney is one of the longest-running and most respected contemporary art festivals in the world.
Held every two years, it features artists from across the globe showcases cutting-edge contemporary art and explores major social, cultural and political themes.
Since its launch in 1973, the Biennale has grown into a major international cultural event, attracting global artists and curators, thousands of visitors and critical attention from the international art world.
A Festival Built Around “Rememory”
This year’s theme, “Rememory”, invites audiences to reflect on history and identity, personal and collective memory and how the past shapes the present.
Through installations, performances and interactive works, visitors are encouraged not just to observe but to engage.
Western Sydney Takes Centre Stage
Venues across Western Sydney, including Penrith Regional Gallery are part of the program, bringing world-class contemporary art closer to home.
This decentralised approach reflects a broader shift in recognising Western Sydney as a key cultural destination.
While there is no official Biennale exhibition at Hawkesbury Regional Gallery, the region remains closely connected through nearby venues.
For Hawkesbury residents, this means easy access to international art, opportunities for day trips and cultural outings and increased engagement with major events without travelling into the CBD.
With free transport options and multiple venues, organisers say the Biennale is designed to be accessible and inclusive.
For local residents, it offers a rare chance to experience global artistic perspectives, interactive and immersive works and a vibrant cultural program all within reach of the Hawkesbury.
International Art Comes to Penrith - A Day Trip Opportunity for Hawkesbury Residents
One of the world’s leading contemporary art events has arrived within easy reach of the Hawkesbury, with the 25th Biennale of Sydney “Rememory” transforming Western Sydney into a hub of international culture.
Running to June 14, 2026, the Biennale is a major global event held every two years, showcasing artists from across the world and exploring themes of identity, history and belonging. This year, Hawkesbury residents don’t need to travel into the city to experience it, with Penrith Regional Gallery playing a key role as a host venue.
At Penrith Regional Gallery, visitors can experience a diverse range of works by internationally recognised and emerging artists from countries including Australia, India, Guatemala, Taiwan, Sudan, Norway and Algeria.
Rather than traditional paintings on walls, the exhibition features:
- large-scale installations
- video and film works
- outdoor and living artworks
- cultural storytelling and political commentary
Artists and Works to Look For
Among the standout works at Penrith are:
Wendy Hubert, a Yindjibarndi Elder, presenting Yindjibarndi Nyinyart at Wendy’s Garden, a living installation grounded in cultural knowledge and connection to Country.
Monica Rani Rudhar, whose work The fire in me was lit long ago explores identity, migration and family history through sculpture, video and performance.
Chang Wen-Hsuan, whose long-term project The Compendium of Autobiographies challenges how history is written and understood.
John Harvey and Walter Waia, Torres Strait Islander artists presenting The Heart of the Universe, exploring memory, belonging and environmental change.
International artists such as Khalid Albaih, Fernando Poyón and Kulpreet Singh, whose works address global issues including migration, identity and the impact of human activity on land.
More Than an Exhibition
Penrith’s program goes beyond static displays.
Visitors can take part in weekly guided “Focus Tours” held every Wednesday exploring key themes and artworks, artist talks, including sessions with exhibiting artists, hands-on workshops and community activities and experience live music and art markets during special events like Biennale Open Day
How to Get the Most Out of Your Visit
- Take your time - don’t rush
- Read the wall text (it helps!)
- Talk about what you see, there’s no “right” answer
- Revisit works that interest you
Why It Matters
The Biennale is more than an art exhibition it is part of a global conversation.
Featuring more than 80 artists from around the world, it highlights stories that are often overlooked, bringing together perspectives from different cultures and communities.
For Hawkesbury residents, it represents access to international art without travelling far, an opportunity to engage with new ideas and a reminder of the region’s growing connection to the cultural life of Western Sydney.
“From living installations to powerful storytelling through film and sculpture, the Biennale at Penrith offers Hawkesbury residents a rare chance to experience world-class art right on their doorstep.”
