Ellie Buttrose Announced as Curator of 2026 Adelaide Biennial
The Art Gallery of South Australia (AGSA) has revealed Ellie Buttrose as the curator for the 2026 Adelaide Biennial of Australian Art. This announcement follows her remarkable success at this year’s Venice Biennale, where under her curation, Australia won the prestigious Golden Lion award for Best National Participation for the first time.
Achievements at the Venice Biennale
Under Buttrose’s guidance, the Australia Pavilion showcased “Kith and Kin” by Kamilaroi and Bigambul artist Archie Moore. This dramatic installation featured a sprawling hand-drawn family tree tracing back 65,000 years, serving as a memorial to First Nations people who have died in police custody.
AGSA’s Statement on Buttrose’s Appointment
Emma Fey, Acting Director of AGSA, expressed enthusiasm about Buttrose’s appointment. Fey highlighted the Biennial’s role in expanding audiences and providing a dynamic platform for artists over its 30-year history. She believes Buttrose’s experience and nuanced curatorial practice will create a captivating exhibition and attract new audiences.
Selection Process
The selection panel for the 2026 Adelaide Biennial included:
- Emma Fey (AGSA Acting Director)
- Rhana Devenport (Outgoing AGSA Director)
- Lisa Slade (Outgoing Assistant Director)
- Ruth Mackenzie CBE (Artistic Director, Adelaide Festival)
- Jason Smith (Director and CEO, Geelong Gallery)
The panel unanimously supported Buttrose, praising her willingness to take risks and experiment. They were impressed by her deep understanding of artists’ complex perspectives and believe her curatorial leadership will produce a thought-provoking exhibition.
Buttrose’s Background
Buttrose brings extensive curatorial experience from her current role as Curator of Contemporary Australian Art at the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art. She oversees collection development, realizes ambitious commissions, and delivers thought-provoking exhibitions and displays.
Buttrose’s Vision for the 2026 Biennial
Expressing her excitement, Buttrose stated, “I am honored to be selected as the Curator of the 2026 Adelaide Biennial of Australian Art. The Biennial is unique in the Australian arts calendar in terms of its curatorial ambitions, and I look forward to contributing to its rich history through my collaborations with artists, arts writers, and historians, and the AGSA team.”
Impact of the Adelaide Biennial
The Adelaide Biennial has played a crucial role in AGSA’s contemporary art collection. Works from the 2024 Biennial, “Inner Sanctum,” have been acquired for the AGSA collection, including pieces by Heather B. Swann, Lillian O’Neil, Clara Adolphs, Jacobus Capone, Peter Maloney, and Jessica Loughlin in collaboration with Khai Liew.
Since its inception in 1990 as part of the Adelaide Festival, the Biennial has provided career-defining opportunities for nearly 500 artists and attracted over 1.8 million visitors.
Future of the Biennial
The 2026 Adelaide Biennial of Australian Art will run from February 27 to June 7 as part of the 2026 Adelaide Festival.
About the Adelaide Biennial of Australian Art
The Adelaide Biennial is renowned for its risk-taking and expansive vision. It is Australia’s longest-running survey of contemporary art and a crucial platform for artists to create and present new works on a significant scale. The Biennial has significantly impacted Australian art, fostering careers and establishing South Australia as a contemporary art hub.
The Biennial is presented with support from the AGSA Biennial Ambassadors Program, the Balnaves Foundation, the Australian Government through Creative Australia, and the Visual Arts and Craft Strategy initiative.
The 2026 Biennial promises to continue this tradition of innovation and excellence under the curatorial leadership of Ellie Buttrose.
