What is a “biennale?”

A “biennale” is an Italian word that means every other year.  However, the term also has an art reference.  When there is an international convergence of contemporary art, it may be named a biennale.  798For example the art district in Beijing, known as 798 Art Zone or Dashanzi Art District, is holding a the  798 Beijing Biennale this year from August 15 to September 15.  There will be more than 70 artists participating in this international event focusing on these art mediums: video, photography, installation, performance, audio, site-specific works, and other new art forms.  This is 798’s first biennale.