Welcome to the future of art: a place where galleries are able to connect with international audiences in real time, where exhibitions are open for free around the clock, and where geographical constraints are no longer relevant. Debuting on 18 November, the world’s first metaverse biennale promises an experience that will elevate the art world to new heights.

TEXT: CoBo Editorial
IMAGES: Courtesy of Art Gate VR

Metaverse—once a far-fetched concept that merely appears in science fiction—has been catapulted into mainstream spotlights this year, not least due to the world spending more time indoors (hence online), in addition to defining moments such as Facebook’s decision to rebrand as Meta last month.

The rise of virtual culture has also been seismic to the world of art—NFTs are all the rage amongst dealers and artists alike, while auction houses are quick to accommodate payments in cryptocurrency. Up till today, the inception of the world’s first metaverse biennale is yet another shot in the arm for what is being hailed by some as “the future of the internet”.

Presented by Toronto-based virtual reality platform Art Gate VR, The Meta Biennale 2021, as clearly suggested by its name, is centred on the idea of the metaverse—where virtual worlds expand to become mainstream hubs for social interaction, exchange, and entertainment. This inaugural biennale will take place in interconnected gallery spaces located in virtual reality that is accessible from a computer or a VR headset.

Taking place from 18 November to 19 December, The Meta Biennale follows hot on the heels of two previous editions of the platform’s virtual art fairs—Art Gate International—which were held in April 2020 and 2021. With a series of performances, panel talks, and exhibitions, it encompasses the whole package of a traditional art fair: buying, selling and viewing art, as well as networking and socialising—all fulfilled within the comforts of your home (or in this case, your headset).

The Meta Biennale is an invitation to all—gallerist, artist, collector, curator or artist collective—it welcomes contributions that confront futuristic visions of technologies, through holographic, motion-captured, live-streamed or augmented realities.

As futuristic and bizarre as it might sound, the introduction of The Meta Biennale affirms technology as a long-term, practical alternative to art world events as we move beyond globalism into a climate-concerned, virtually interconnected world.

The Meta Biennale 2021
18 November — 19 December 2021
Virtual Reality via computer or VR headset