Launched in 1996, the Shanghai Biennale is not only the first international biennial of contemporary art on the Chinese mainland, but also one of the most influential in Asia.

In 2012, the Power Station of Art became the main organizer and permanent exhibition location of the Shanghai Biennale. From ‘Open Space’ in 1996, to ‘Inheritance and Exploration’ in 1998, ‘Spirit of Shanghai’ in 2000, ‘Urban Creation’ in 2002, ‘Techniques of the Visible’ in 2004, ‘Hyper Design’ in 2006, ‘Translocalmotion’ in 2008, ‘Rehearsal’ in 2010, ‘Reactivation’ in 2012, ‘Social Factory’ in 2014, ‘Why Not Ask Again’ in 2016, and ‘Proregress’ in 2018, the Biennale has always maintained Shanghai as its primary focus. It upholds the mission of supporting academic and cultural innovation, while continuously tracking social changes and trends in knowledge production in a global context with an open view. Gathering in Shanghai every two years, the Biennale has also become a large-scale platform for the exhibition and discussion of contemporary art.

The Biennale aims to expand Shanghai’s importance as the ‘gateway to the west’ through the arts sector. Additionally, it means to serve as an international platform for the self-portrayal of China and Shanghai. The Shanghai Biennial not only provides a platform for the showcase of contemporary art production, but also forums where artists can meet, challenge their work and expand their experience.

The Shanghai Biennale offers an international exchange of ideas, while bringing together artists, curators, writers, theorists and art supporters from all around the world. The Biennale has become a critical space of dialogue within an increasingly global art market. Additionally, the biennale is highlighting the increasingly important role of artistic production in the Asia-Pacific region.

Source: www.shanghaibiennale.com