It’s Really Happening: Biennale of Sydney Splits from Transfield

After weeks of protest and a snowballing boycott by artists, the Biennale of Sydney has cut ties with its longtime sponsor Transfield. Philanthropist and Transfield Holdings director Luca Belgiorno-Nettis stepped down from his position as chair of the Biennale board, which went on to end the partnership agreement, effective immediately.

Until it happened just now, this was a moment that seemed pretty unlikely. However, a point was reached where the negative publicity was doing neither brand Biennale nor Transfield any favours, with nine artists having withdrawn from the event and many art fans considering staying away. These artists have 'imagined what they desired', in keeping with the theme of the festival.

"I hope that blue sky may now open up over this 19th Biennale of Sydney," said the departing Belgiorno-Nettis.

This does nothing to fix Australia's repulsive treatment of refugees in detention, of course, but it means the focus of protest can shift, and Sydneysiders can enjoy and engage with the Biennale in full.

Here's the statement from the Biennale:

Today the Board of the Biennale of Sydney received the resignation of its Chairman, Luca Belgiorno-Nettis.

With deep regret, the Board reluctantly accepted the decision of the Chair to resign.
We gratefully acknowledge the personal contribution of Luca as Chair over the past 14 years. We also acknowledge the enormous contribution of the Belgiorno-Nettis family over 41 years.

The Board also discussed its relationship with its founding partner Transfield. We have listened to the artists who are the heart of the Biennale and have decided to end our partnership with Transfield effective immediately.

The Board and the extended Biennale community owe an enormous debt of gratitude to Luca and his family.

Luca Belgiorno-Nettis said: ‘I wear two hats: one as Chair of the Biennale of Sydney and the other as a Director of Transfield Holdings; both organisations conceived by my father and nurtured by my family over many decades. I am deeply thankful to the many friends of the Biennale, and my personal friends who have supported me and the teams throughout my tenure, especially in recent weeks. I also express my gratitude to my Directors and Marah Braye and her beautiful team, and Juliana Engberg for their unequivocal allegiance to the Biennale.

‘I hope that blue sky may now open up over this 19th Biennale of Sydney: You Imagine What You Desire and its future incarnations.’

Deputy Chair Andrew Cameron will be interim Chair until the Biennale appoints a new Chair following the close of the 19th Biennale of Sydney.

The Board look forward to working with Juliana Engberg and the Biennale team to realise an enormously successful 19th Biennale of Sydney.