IBA Biennial Survey

We are proud to launch our first comprehensive survey, designed to provide valuable insights into the structures, audiences, and operational models of biennials worldwide. This initiative, led by the recently re-established IBA Research Committee, aims to deepen our collective understanding of how biennials function across different regions and contexts while informing IBA’s future programs and initiatives.

Since its inception, IBA has celebrated the biennial format for its diversity, flexibility and adaptability, recognizing that these qualities contribute to its resilience. By gathering the data, we hope, this survey will offer us a snapshot of the state of the art when it comes to biennial making, additionally providing valuable data for researchers as well.

The survey is structured around three key areas:

• Who makes biennials? This section explores organizational structures, team sizes, and the strategies biennials implement to manage and balance growth and sustainability.
• Who is our audience? In this section we examine how biennials engage with local and international visitors, how audience data is collected, and what insights it provides.
• How do biennials operate? This includes an in-depth look at curatorial and institutional dynamics, partnerships, outreach strategies, and long-term operational trajectories.

As a key tool for shaping IBA’s research efforts, this survey is also an important step for us internally as it marks the new establishment of the IBA Research Committee. We are incredibly grateful to all those who have contributed to its development and look forward to a solid participation from our members and the broader biennial community.

Your input is essential to develop the principles of transparency and sustainability we have worked hard to promote in the the past years. We invite you to take part in this important conversation by completing the survey!

Find the survey here!