Although the 20th Biennale of Sydney is still several months away, preparations for the much-anticipated art festival in March 2016 are already underway.

Last week Artistic Director Stephanie Rosenthal announced the appointment of thirteen curators, writers, and theorists who will contribute to the exhibition, and associated public programs, AFP reported.

Rosenthal’s choice of advisory attachés provides a first glimpse into the director’s curatorial vision. “This edition will be structured around several thematic clusters, with each participating venue designated as a transient home for particular constellations of thought,” Rosenthal said in a statement.

Sydney Biennale artistic director Stephanie Rosenthal
Photo: Picture Quotes

“Each Attaché will act as a catalyst and play a specific role in enhancing these spaces with their expertise,” she added.

The appointed attachés are: curatorial duo Sam Bardaouil and Till Fellrath; curator Geraldine Kirrihi Barlow; assistant curator of the 20th Biennale of Sydney Jessica Cerasi; writer, curator, and lecturer Stephen Gilchrist; curator Anna Gritz; writer and curator Adrian Heathfield; curator Mami Kataoka; curator Hicham Khalidi; curator Pablo Léon de la Barra; curator, writer, and dramaturge André Lepecki; architect, spatial consultant, and writer Markus Miessen; and curator and writer Aveek Sen (see 25 Women Curators Shaking Things Up).

The list includes distinguished curators such as Pedro León de la Barra.
Photo: Guggenheim via YouTube

The 19th edition of the Sydney Biennale was boycotted by dozens of participating artists who withdrew from the event in protest of one of its leading sponsors, Transfield (see Artists Threaten Boycott of Sydney Biennale Over “Abhorrent” Sponsor and Artists Make Good on Threat to Boycott Biennale of Sydney).