See and Do 
Between 14 March and 8 June, visitors to the island are invited to engage with a series of public artworks – and participate in free and ticketed events – anchored in this year’s theme: NIRIN.
NIRIN, meaning ‘edge’ in the language of the Wiradjuri People of western NSW, is a First Nations-led initiative as well as a forum for celebrated artists to reflect on the world today, challenge dominant narratives and propose exciting pathways for healing, founded in futurism.
The Biennale of Sydney has showcased the works of nearly 1800 local and international artists since its inception in 1973. Cockatoo Island has been one of the official venues for the leading contemporary arts event since 2008. This year, the artistic director for Biennale of Sydney is acclaimed Indigenous Australian artist, Brook Andrew.
More than 30 artists and collectives will converge at Cockatoo Island to share their ideas, experiences and perspectives...
Some of the featured artists at Cockatoo Island include Tony Albert (Australia), Ibrahim Mahama (Ghana), Lawrence Abu Hamdan (Beirut), Anna Boghiguian (Egypt), Gina Athena Ulyssee (Haiti), Lisa Reihana (New Zealand), Nicholas Galanin (Alaska) and Tennat Creek Brio (Australia, pictured here).
NIRIN WIR, from the words for ‘edge’ and ‘Sky’ in the Wiradjuri language, is a series of free and ticketed events...
Highlights of NIRIN WIR at Cockatoo Island include day two of aabaakwad 2020: NIRIN (15 March) – a four-day, Indigenous-led arts conference featuring a Q&A with Brook Andrew; the 4ESydney HipHop Festival (27 to 29 March); and Bankstown Poetry Slam (3 to 5 April) – three electrifying nights of spoken word featuring Bankstown’s iconic poetry slam.
Image credit: Nardean performing live at the 4ESydney Festival, 2018. Photograph: Zach Janus
Learn more
Travel between Barangaroo and Cockatoo Island (direct) during Biennale...
Regular ferry services will continue to run during the Biennale. Additionally, Transport NSW has scheduled a direct ferry service to shuttle people between Barangaroo and Cockatoo Island on weekends during the contemporary art festival.
This service will depart Barangaroo (direct to Cockatoo Island) at quarter past the hour – and quarter to the hour – between 9.45am and 5.45pm. In turn, it will depart Cockatoo Island (direct to Barangaroo) on the hour – and half past the hour – between 10am and 4pm.
Begin your Biennale experience with a FREE journey aboard a historic ferry...
Every Monday to Friday, Rosman Cruises will transport students from Circular Quay to Cockatoo Island free of charge aboard NIRIN HAIVETA. In addition, NIRIN HAIVETA will transport people from Sydney Olympic Park Wharf to Cockatoo Island for free every Saturday (bookings essential).
Launched in 1947, NIRIN HAIVETA (previously known as Radar) is the ‘mother’ of the Rosman fleet. She was in continuous service for more than 60 years and has undergone a complete refurbishment for NIRIN, resulting in a vessel that celebrates Polynesian, Melanesian and Micronesian women’s mark-making.
Image: NIRIN HAIVETA (aka Radar) undergoing refurbishments for Biennale.
Looking to visit or stay at Cockatoo Island during Biennale? Here are some useful links...
Harbour Trust
Visit Overview
Cockatoo Island
Headland Park
Macquarie Lightstation
North Head Sanctuary
Sub Base Platypus
Woolwich Dock and Parklands
