LANGKAWI ART BIENNALE 2026 BRINGS INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS TO LANGKAWI UNDER THE THEME ‘RESET’
LANGKAWI, 10 SEPTEMBER 2026 — About 60 international artists and 30 Malaysian artists are expected to converge in Langkawi for the Langkawi Art Biennale 2026, organized by the President of Persatuan Pengurusan Art Malaysia (PPAM), Puan Latifah Mohammad Taib, from Nov 12 -15, 2026 at De Baron Resort, Kuah, Langkawi.
The international art event carries the theme “RESET”, reflecting the spirit of renewal following the unprecedented disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
The pandemic affected people from all walks of life, and the arts community was among those severely impacted. Artists faced the cancellation of exhibitions and cultural events, restrictions on international travel and the loss of opportunities to connect with audiences and fellow artists.
Five years on, the Langkawi Art Biennale 2026 seeks to bring artists together once again — this time in Langkawi — to celebrate creativity, resilience and a new beginning.
“RESET is about starting again. The pandemic changed all our lives, and artists were not spared. Through this art biennale, we hope to bring artists from Malaysia and around the world together, reconnect and look towards the future through art,” said Latifah.
The convergence of artists and artworks from different countries is intended to create more than an exhibition. It provides an opportunity for cultural exchange, friendship and dialogue among artists while showcasing the diversity of contemporary art to visitors in Langkawi.
According to Latifah, the event is also part of PPAM’s broader aspiration to develop Langkawi as an international destination for art tourism.
“Langkawi already has an international reputation as a tourism destination. We believe art can add another dimension to the island by bringing international artists, collectors, visitors and the local community together,” she said.
The biennale will also provide Malaysian artists with an opportunity to interact with international participants and expand their exposure to the global art community.
With Langkawi’s natural environment, cultural heritage and established tourism infrastructure, the island offers a distinctive setting for an international art gathering.
The Langkawi Art Biennale 2026 therefore represents not only a celebration of art, but also a renewed effort to connect art, tourism and international cultural exchange in Langkawi.
Under the theme RESET, the participating artists will gather to mark a new chapter — moving forward from the difficult years of the pandemic and using art as a means of connection, expression and renewal.