Biennale’s First Nations Stars: The Heart of Rememory

The 2026 Biennale, led by Artistic Director Hoor Al Qasimi, is all about piecing together forgotten histories, and First Nations artists are front and centre. With Fondation Cartier as a Visionary Partner, they’ve commissioned 15 Indigenous artists from around the globe to create new works. We’re talking big names like Dylan Mooney, Kaylene Whiskey, and Gunybi Ganambarr, alongside international voices like Ángel Poyón from Guatemala and Cannupa Hanska Luger from the USA. These artists, guided by Wierdi curator Bruce Johnson McLean, are bringing stories of culture, memory, and resilience to life.

You’ll see their work across Sydney’s iconic venues, from the Art Gallery of NSW to the industrial vibes of White Bay Power Station. Expect everything from vibrant paintings to sculptures that tell stories of Country and identity. For instance, Dylan Mooney’s bold, colorful pieces might pop up at White Bay, reflecting his Yuwi, Torres Strait, and South Sea Islander heritage. It’s not just art—it’s a conversation across borders, and it’s gonna hit you right in the feels.

Chau Chak Wing Museum: A Hub for Indigenous Stories

If you’re after a deep dive into First Nations art, the Chau Chak Wing Museum at the University of Sydney is the place to be. It’s one of the Biennale’s key venues, and it’s hosting some seriously powerful exhibitions. Think works by artists like Kaylene Whiskey, whose playful yet profound paintings bring Indigenous joy to the canvas, or Mangala Bai Maravi from India’s Baiga tribe, preserving traditional tattoo designs. The museum’s got this knack for blending contemporary art with its massive collection of cultural artifacts, so you might see Biennale pieces alongside historic Indigenous objects.

Last time, in 2024, they showcased works by Carrolup Child Artists—Stolen Generation kids from the 1940s whose drawings are heartbreakingly beautiful. For 2026, expect more of that emotional punch, with new commissions that dig into Rememory’s theme of reclaiming suppressed histories. The museum’s free to visit, so you can linger as long as you like. Pop in after a coffee at a nearby cafe in Camperdown—trust me, it’s a vibe.

Fondation Cartier’s Role: Lifting Up Global Indigenous Voices

The partnership with Fondation Cartier is a game-changer for the Biennale. They’ve been championing First Nations artists for years, from Australia to Brazil, and for 2026, they’re backing 15 artists to create bold new works. Bruce Johnson McLean, their First Nations Curatorial Fellow, is working closely with talents like Yolngu artist Gunybi Ganambarr and Canadian Indigenous creative Tania Willard to bring their visions to life.

What’s cool is how this partnership connects Indigenous stories across the world. You might see a piece by Guatemala’s Edgar Calel next to a work by Australia’s Carmen Glynn-Braun, each one speaking to memory and place in their own way. Fondation Cartier’s also got a collab with the Sydney Opera House, so keep an eye out for Badu Gili: Healing Spirit. It’s a stunning projection of First Nations art on the Opera House sails, featuring artists like Esme Timbery and Joseca Mokahesi Yanomami, lighting up every night from sunset.

Beyond the Biennale: Sydney’s Indigenous Cultural Scene

Sydney’s Indigenous cultural events don’t stop at the Biennale, and you’d be mad to miss ‘em. If you’re around in early July, just after the Biennale wraps, the National Indigenous Art Fair at the Overseas Passenger Terminal is a must. It’s a vibrant market bursting with First Nations art, from paintings to jewelry, plus performances and food stalls. It’s timed with NAIDOC Week, so the energy’s electric—think dance, music, and stories celebrating Indigenous culture.

Then there’s the Yabun Festival, usually around Australia Day in January, but check the 2026 dates coz it might shift. It’s a free day of Indigenous music, dance, and markets in Camperdown Park, not far from the Chau Chak Wing Museum. You could easily pair a morning at the museum’s Biennale exhibits with an arvo at Yabun, soaking up live performances by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. Oh, and don’t sleep on the street art tours in Redfern—guides often point out murals by First Nations artists that tie into the Biennale’s themes.

Tips for Chasing First Nations Art in Sydney

Wanna make the most of it? Start your day at the Chau Chak Wing Museum for Biennale exhibits, then hop a ferry to Circular Quay to catch Badu Gili at the Opera House. Ferries are cheap, and the harbor views are unreal—perfect for snapping pics. If you’re keen on talks, the Biennale’s got artist panels with folks like Bruce Johnson McLean, often at Campbelltown Arts Centre or White Bay. Book early for these, they fill up quick!

For non-Biennale events, check the NAIDOC Week website for updates on the Indigenous Art Fair. If you’re staying in Sydney longer, hit up Redfern’s Carriageworks for Indigenous-led performances—some might overlap with the Biennale’s program. And bring a notebook; you’ll wanna jot down the stories behind the art. I once met an artist at a Redfern tour who told me about her mural’s connection to Country—changed how I saw the city.