Art & the City in Dialogue

The Critical Companion Series — your essential guides to experiencing the world's most important biennales. Navigate cities, discover artists, engage with themes, and immerse yourself in the global conversation of contemporary art.

The Book SeriesCompanion GuidesBiennale Editorial Team

The Critical Companion Series

Essential guides to the world's great biennale cities

Critical and practical guides that transform your biennale experience — from discovering artists and navigating venues to engaging with thematic discussions and local culture.

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The Companion Guides

Five cities, five essential companions

Dakar Biennale Guide
Dak'Art: Africa's Premier Contemporary Art Event

Explore the Biennale de Dakar, the oldest and most prestigious contemporary art exhibition on the African continent. Navigate Senegal's vibrant capital, discover participating artists, and engage with Africa's dynamic art scene through critical essays and practical information. Get the Guide

Dakar Biennale
Istanbul Biennial Guide
Where East Meets West in Contemporary Art

Your companion to the Istanbul Biennial, one of the most significant exhibitions bridging European and Asian contemporary art. Explore historical venues across this transcontinental city, engage with cutting-edge artists, and navigate Istanbul's rich cultural landscape. Get the Guide

Istanbul Biennial
Kochi-Muziris Biennale Guide
India's Leading International Art Exhibition

Navigate the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, India's groundbreaking contemporary art event that transforms historic Fort Kochi. Discover how this biennale has energized South Asian contemporary art, explore unique venues, and experience Kerala's cultural richness alongside world-class exhibitions. Get the Guide

Kochi-Muziris Biennale
Performa 25 Biennial Guide
New York's Performance Art Biennial

Your guide to Performa, the groundbreaking biennial dedicated exclusively to performance art. Navigate New York City's diverse venues, discover innovative performance artists, and engage with the most experimental edge of contemporary art practice across Manhattan and beyond. Get the Guide

Performa Biennial
Bienal de São Paulo Guide
Latin America's Oldest and Most Important Biennale

Experience the Bienal de São Paulo, the second-oldest biennale in the world and Latin America's most influential contemporary art platform. Navigate the iconic Ciccillo Matarazzo Pavilion, explore São Paulo's thriving art scene, and engage with artists from across the Global South. Get the Guide

Bienal de São Paulo

What's Inside Each Guide

Comprehensive companions designed for art professionals, collectors, students, and enthusiasts. Each volume delivers four dimensions of experience:

Navigate — Detailed maps, venue locations, and practical information to maximize your time.

Discover — Artist profiles, artwork insights, and curatorial context.

Engage — Critical essays, thematic discussions, and thought-provoking questions.

Experience — Local culture, restaurants, accommodations, and city highlights.