Biennale de Paris Gathering — History and Future Perspectives

18 April 2026 — Paris

On 18 April 2026, the Biennale de Paris brought together people from diverse backgrounds for a gathering devoted to its history and future perspectives. The meeting offered an opportunity to share experiences, viewpoints and questions, and to reflect collectively on the future of an artistic institution undergoing transformation.

Founded in 1959 at the initiative of André Malraux, the Biennale de Paris has supported the research of several generations of artists. Reactivated in 2000 at the initiative of Alexandre Gurita, it gradually shifted its activities towards invisual art and practices that exist otherwise than as artworks, whether material or immaterial. Its history thus provides a basis for examining transformations in art as well as in the institutions that help define it.

A History to Share, a Future to Build

The gathering aimed to open this trajectory to discussion and encourage reflection on the Biennale’s next steps. How can its history be passed on while its experimentation continues? How can people from different fields contribute to inventing new artistic possibilities? What relationships can be developed between art, education, the economy and social life?

By bringing together people with varied experiences and sensibilities, the meeting sought to generate connections, questions and opportunities for collaboration. It reflected an understanding of the Biennale as a space for research and collective intelligence, whose direction is shaped together with those who contribute to its activities.