Lyon Art Biennale Adds 45 New Artists

Lyon, France – The 18th edition of the Lyon Biennale of Contemporary Art has unveiled 45 new artists to join its previously announced participants, bringing the total number of artists to 118. This expansion underscores the biennale's commitment to showcasing a broad spectrum of artistic practices, generations, and global art scenes.

The event, themed "To pass from one dream to another," is scheduled to run from September 19 to December 13, 2026. The artist selection reflects a focus on diversity, with 68% of participants being women, 29% French, and 23% under the age of 35. The exhibition will feature 65 works and 12 new adaptations.

Artists participating represent 42 different nationalities from around the globe, spanning Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Africa. A key component of the biennale is the "Jeune création internationale" (Young International Creation) program, spotlighting 11 emerging international artists. This program is curated by international experts from institutions in countries including Canada, Sweden, Estonia, South Korea, and Germany.

The Lyon Biennale is expanding its exhibition venues to a total of eleven sites. The newest addition is the historic Cour des Loges Lyon, A Radisson Collection Hotel, located in the city's Old Town. This Renaissance-era venue, with its historical architecture, connects with the event's theme and provides a unique stage for contemporary art.

The biennale is led by General Director Cécile Bourgeat, with Isabelle Bertolotti serving as Artistic Director and Catherine Nichols as curator. Venues across Lyon will host the exhibitions, and the graphic design firm Zoo is responsible for the visual identity.