Starting with next year’s Biennale of Sydney, the White Bay Power Station will open its doors to the public with a program of short-term events and activations.
From March next year, the public will have the opportunity to explore this historic industrial masterpiece at the 2024 Biennale of Sydney.
The Biennale of Sydney is one of the largest international contemporary art festivals, showcasing artists from NSW, Australia and across the globe. The first Biennale of Sydney was held in 1973, making the event one of the longest running of its kind.
White Bay Power Station will be the first location to open during the three-month Biennale of Sydney, taking place from 9 March until 10 June 2024.
The Biennale of Sydney will announce program highlights on 31 October 2023.
The reactivation of the former power station is the first big move in the urban renewal of Bays West.
Encompassing Rozelle Bay, White Bay and Glebe Island, the Bays West precinct is set to become an area of innovation and sustainability for living, working and recreation.
After decades of sitting derelict, the NSW Government, through Placemaking NSW, has undertaken extensive remediation and conservation works to make the state heritage listed building ready for the 21st century and beyond.
All works have been completed in line with the site’s Conservation Management Plan and the building is now at a stage where it can be repurposed as a space for the community to enjoy.
The community will be invited to have its say on the long-term use of the power station in coming months.
For more information https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/plans-for-your-area/state-significant-precincts/the-bays/bays-west/white-bay-power-station
Minister for the Arts John Graham said:
“White Bay Power Station is a unique site. It has as much potential to amaze and inspire global arts audiences as any settings for leading Biennales of the world from Venice to Sao Paolo - with free admission for all.
“The power that this site will now generate is that of creativity.”
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
“White Bay Power Station was powering Sydney’s trams and dominating the harbour skyline long before the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House captured our attention.
“While planning is underway for its future use, we are taking this opportunity to let the community immerse themselves in the site, through a program of events and activations.”
Chief Executive of Placemaking NSW Anita Mitchell said:
“Placemaking NSW is delighted to have secured Biennale of Sydney as the first free public activation at the site.
“The opening of White Bay Power Station is the first step in the transformation of the Bays West precinct in line with the Bays West Place Strategy.”
Chief Executive Officer of Biennale of Sydney Barbara Moore said:
“We are presenting some of the best contemporary art from around the world and across Australia at the first major event at White Bay Power Station from 9 March to 10 June 2024. Admission is free.
“For 50 years, the Biennale of Sydney has brought people together to think and talk about the world we live in, infusing art into the very fabric of Sydney and rejuvenated public spaces across the city.”
