London Art Biennale
Exhibiting artists gathered on the steps of Chelsea Old Town Hall beneath the Biennale banners.

Organisation

Since its founding in 2013, the London Art Biennale has welcomed artists and audiences to Chelsea Old Town Hall for seven editions. Each brings together around 300 artists from some 60 nations, selected for the quality, innovation, concept and technique of their work. With no prescribed theme, painting, works on paper, sculpture, applied arts and digital work find their place in an exhibition shaped by the art itself.

Curated jointly by Gagliardi Gallery, the International Confederation of Art Critics and the Chianciano Art Museum, the Biennale brings together experience in art criticism, museum exhibitions and the art market. Its London-based team shares a commitment to giving art a wider audience. Public admission has remained free throughout its history, with a charity raffle at every edition extending that spirit of generosity beyond the exhibition.

About the Biennale

Two visitors, glasses in hand, admiring a bronze tree sculpture in the main hall.
Visitors in conversation, framed through the curve of a bronze sculpture.

Management

Peter Gagliardi, Creative Director of the London Art Biennale, speaking at Chelsea Old Town Hall.

Creative Director

Peter Gagliardi

  • Roberto GagliardiFounder
  • Marie GagliardiAssociate Director
  • Teena DernaikaPR & Communications
  • Vanessa AliGlobal Communications
  • Mila GrahamDevelopment & Special Projects

Curated by

Gagliardi Gallery draws on decades of working closely with artists and collectors to organise and curate the Biennale. Its longstanding relationships across the art world inform an exhibition centred on artistic quality and the discovery of talent.

The International Confederation of Art Critics leads the selection process and critical programme. At each edition, five artists receive an in-depth written appraisal of their work from the Confederation.

Chianciano Art Museum connects the London Art Biennale with its sister exhibition, the Chianciano Art Biennale in Tuscany. The two exhibitions share a commitment to artistic excellence and to creating opportunities for artists beyond a single exhibition. At each London edition, twenty-five exhibiting artists are invited to take part in the sister Biennale the following year, offering a further opportunity to exhibit in Italy, reach new audiences and build relationships with fellow artists.

The main hall during the exhibition: white walls hung with paintings beneath the hall’s marble pillars and chandeliers.
A sculpture of an iron ring on a tall stand, in the main hall beneath its painted dome.

Patrons & Charity

The Biennale’s charitable tradition is sustained by the generosity of its patrons, artists and friends. Lady Sophie Windsor inaugurated the 2019 edition at its vernissage, while Nicholas Bonham has lent his expertise to the charity auction.

Since the first edition in 2013, artists and collectors have donated works and prizes to the Biennale’s charity raffle, helping to raise tens of thousands of pounds for causes including Rotary International’s End Polio Now campaign, The Salvation Army, London’s Air Ambulance and Age UK. One hundred per cent of proceeds from raffle ticket sales are donated to charity.

At every edition, the Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea has presented the charitable donations during the exhibition, honouring a tradition of giving that has been part of the Biennale from the beginning.


Supporters & collaborators

Councillor Will Pascall, Mayor of Kensington and Chelsea, drawing the winning charity raffle ticket.
The Mayor of Kensington and Chelsea, in her chain of office, looking at a gilded sculpture.
The Mayor of Kensington and Chelsea speaking from the lectern beneath the hall’s murals.
The Mayor of Kensington and Chelsea beside a bronze portrait bust.
The Mayor of Kensington and Chelsea with guests on the balcony of the hall.
The Mayor of Kensington and Chelsea walking through the exhibition with a guest.
The Mayor of Kensington and Chelsea with an artist holding the Biennale catalogue.
The Mayor of Kensington and Chelsea reading out the raffle results on the balcony.
The Mayor of Kensington and Chelsea in conversation with an artist beside her work.

Mayors of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea at past editions, who have generously supported the Biennale and graciously presented its charity cheques to the chosen causes. One hundred per cent of raffle proceeds goes directly to charity, without deduction.


Office

The London Art Biennale
509 King’s Road
London SW10 0TX
United Kingdom

Administrative office, not an exhibition venue.

Contact

The hall at capacity for an awards ceremony: every aisle taken between the white exhibition walls, the speeches under way.