The Ulaanbaatar Biennale has announced the participating artists and programming for its 2025 edition, which will take place from 6 to 20 June.
The inaugural edition of the biennale will be hosted in various venues across the Mongolian capital under the title of On the horizon, under the moon, chosen by Sydney-based curator Tian Zhang. The theme will delve into the concept of the land and homelands, exploring these ideas through their poetics and politics. The biennale will focus on media and visual arts, with a programme of exhibitions, events, educational programmes, talks and workshops.
Tian Zhang said: “In curating this Biennale, I wanted to prioritise voices and perspectives less heard. I also aimed to bring together artists whose work and practices are critical, hopeful and impactful in relation to the topic of lands and homelands. While works grapple with issues of land rights, environmental degradation and cultural loss; they also celebrate resistance, honour ancestral practices and offer solutions for thriving futures.” The biennale will gather 19 international artists and six Mongolian artists whose work will be showcased at the Mongolian National Art Gallery.
Artists include:
Almagul Menlibayeva
Bat-Orgil Battulga
Biligt Enkhtaivan
Cercle d’Art des Travailleurs de Plantation Congolaise (CATPC)
Cian Dayrit
Fitriani Dwi Kurniasih (Fitri DK)
Gerelkhuu Ganbold
Harvest School
Ireedui Bulgantamir
Jane Jin Kaisen
Jantsankhorol Erdenebayar
Javkhlan Ariunbold
Jazz Money
Leeroy New
Liu Chuang
Luke Willis Thompson
Natalia Papaeva
Nomin Zezegmaa
Raven Chacon
Serwah Attafuah
Solmaz Daryani
Subas Tamang
Tsagaantsooj Erdenechimeg
Vivien Sansour
Yakthung Cho Sangjumbho
The Ulaanbaatar Biennale is a joint initiative by the Arts Council of Mongolia and the Arts and Culture Department of the City Implementing Agency, spearheaded by the City Mayor. With Ulaanbaatar joining the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in 2023, the inaugural biennale is an opportunity for the city to promote Mongolian art and culture on a global scale, while supporting local artists across a variety of media included in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network including crafts and folk art, design, film, gastronomy, literature, media arts and music.
