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17th Biennale of Sydney

The Beauty of Distance

One of the most ambitious exhibitions ever staged in Australia, the 17th Biennale of Sydney, is presented free to the public until August 1, that's almost three months worth of local and International artistry! With more than 440 works by 166 artists from 36 countries, and spread over seven venues across the city, this huge event is undoubtably the cultural highlight of the year.

Subtitled "The Beauty of Distance: Songs of Survival in a Precarious Age", Artistic Director David Elliott says the exhibition "looks towards the future, but is formed by experiences of the past." Exploring the connection between visual art and other art forms, artworks are shown alongside the work of contemporary writers, filmmakers, commentators and musicians. "There is a large performative element to the Biennale, and while some projects are displayed at venues for the duration of the exhibition, others are one-off events and performances."

Scout is particularly excited about Tokyo's thriving experimental performance space, Superdeluxe, presented at Artspace in Woolloomooloo, which promises a dynamic and electric mix of bands, DJ's, dancers and filmmakers. Watch this space for updates.

Meanwhile, we recommend that you get out and experience some of what the Biennale has to offer: take the free ferry to Cockatoo Island, formerly a convict prison and ship dockyard, now a major venue for the exhibition with over 120 artworks by 55 artists; or join the dots between various venues with the Vittoria Biennale ArtWalk, which snakes from Pier 2/3 through to the MCA, taking in the Opera House, Botanic Gardens, Art Gallery of NSW and Artspace along the way.

For what's happening daily, check out the official site: www.biennaleofsydney.com.au