Elvira Dyangani Ose Takes Helm as Artistic Director for Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennale 2026

Elvira Dyangani Ose: A Visionary Leader for Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennale

In an exciting announcement from the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi, Elvira Dyangani Ose has been appointed as the Artistic Director for the second edition of the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennale, set to open in the autumn of 2026. This initiative aims to build on the successful inaugural event, which captivated audiences from November 2024 through April 2025.

The first iteration of the biennale showcased a vibrant array of site-specific installations from artists around the UAE and across the globe, including notable works by Kader Attia, Superflex, Nathan Coley, and several others. Many of these pieces were acquired for permanent public display, further enriching Abu Dhabi's artistic landscape. Dyangani Ose's leadership promises to elevate this cultural celebration, continuing the evolution of public art as a vital component of community engagement and cultural identity in the emirate.

Dyangani Ose is well-known in the art world, currently serving as the Director of the Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA). She has an impressive resume that includes past roles such as Director and Chief Curator at The Showroom in London, Senior Curator at Creative Time, and a curator for international exhibitions at Tate Modern. Additionally, she has been involved in various prestigious organizations, including the board of CIMAM (International Committee for Museums and Collections of Modern Art) and has curated numerous impactful exhibitions that focus on non-Western narratives and histories.

Her academic background is equally distinguished, holding a degree in Art History from Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, and pursuing her doctoral studies in Visual Studies at Cornell University. Dyangani Ose has also taught at Goldsmiths College in London, specializing in museology, curatorial studies, and contemporary African art - subjects that align with her mission to foster inclusive and participatory narratives in public art.

Under her stewardship, the second edition of the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennale is expected to be an inspiring event that enhances collective memory and community participation through art. Details regarding submissions, participating artists, and more comprehensive programming will be revealed in due course.

Public Art Abu Dhabi, an initiative of the Department of Culture and Tourism, is dedicated to enhancing the emirate's cultural infrastructure and quality of life through public art. By engaging the community and raising awareness of public installations, the biennale serves not only as a platform for artistic expression but also as a community-building exercise.

The ambitious vision of the DCT Abu Dhabi is to unify the emirate’s cultural landscape, bestowing it with an identity rooted in authenticity, creativity, and hospitality. As a key player in this vision, Dyangani Ose's appointment marks an exciting new chapter for art and cultural dialogue in Abu Dhabi, inviting audiences to partake in the narratives and experiences that public art can offer.

As the region embraces this transformative journey in public art, excitement grows around what Dyangani Ose will curate for the upcoming biennale. For those interested in being part of this artistic celebration, updates and further information about the event will be made available through the official public art website and affiliated channels.