Elvira Dyangani Ose to Lead the Second Edition of Abu Dhabi's Public Art Biennial

Elvira Dyangani Ose: The New Artistic Director of Abu Dhabi's Public Art Biennial

Elvira Dyangani Ose, a prominent figure in the contemporary art landscape, has been designated as the artistic director for the second edition of the Public Art Biennial in Abu Dhabi, announced by the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) of Abu Dhabi. The event is set to make its grand entrance in the autumn of 2026 and continue through 2027, promising to be a vibrant display of artistry and cultural engagement across the emirate.

Dyangani Ose takes the helm following the success of the inaugural biennial, which took place from November 15, 2024, to April 30, 2025. The first edition was widely praised, showcasing site-specific installations by local and international artists, including notable works from Kader Attia, Superflex, Nathan Coley, Wael Al Awar, Farah Al Qassimi, and Shaikha Al Ketbi. Many of these works have since been integrated into the permanent public art collection of the region, reflecting a commitment to enduring cultural narratives.

Currently, Dyangani Ose serves as the director of the Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA). Her illustrious career also includes previous roles as director and chief curator at The Showroom in London, curatorial leadership for the eighth International Biennial of Contemporary Art in Gothenburg, and senior curator at Creative Time. Additionally, she has curated international art for the renowned Tate Modern and has contributed to various exhibitions under the auspices of the Fondazione Prada.

Her curatorial projects often engage with themes of participatory experience, the dynamics of collective representation in public spaces, and the rectification of non-Western epistemologies. Among her recent initiatives are "Project a Black Planet – The Art and Culture of Panafrica" (2024-2027), the exhibition "I Learned to Swim On Dry Land" by Coco Fusco (2025), and Goshka Macuga's "Miu Miu Tales and Tellers" (2024-2025).

Dyangani Ose holds a Bachelor's degree in Art History from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and is pursuing a PhD in Visual Studies at Cornell University in New York, where she also completed a Master's degree in Arts. Her academic background is complemented by a diploma in advanced studies in theory and history of architecture from the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Furthermore, she has been a faculty member at Goldsmiths College, specializing in museum studies, curation, black studies, and contemporary African art.

The upcoming edition of the Public Art Biennial in Abu Dhabi is expected to embody the richness and diversity of the emirate's cultural fabric. Details regarding the specific dates, themes, and participatory opportunities will be announced in due course, inviting artists, scholars, and art enthusiasts to engage with the evolving landscape of public art.

The initiative itself, Public Art Abu Dhabi, is part of DCT Abu Dhabi’s ongoing commitment to commissioning public art that enhances the emirate's creative heritage and community wellbeing. By fostering artistic creativity and cultural participation, the biennial aims to build a collective memory that resonates deeply with the residents and visitors of the UAE capital.

For more information on Public Art Abu Dhabi and upcoming events, please visit paad.ae.