The Athens Biennale was founded in November 2005 by the curatorial trio XYZ (curator Xenia Kalpaktsoglou, artist and curator Poka-Yio, and curator and critic Augustine Zenakos). Emerging from the intense energy of the Athenian art scene at that time it was conceived as a versatile platform that could reflect on the creative potential of the Biennale model, while resisting many constraints that often restrict such institutions. The Athens Biennale has presented two editions. The first, Destroy Athens, (2007), curated by XYZ and held in Technopolis of the City of Athens, included approximately 100 international artists, and received over 50, 000 visitors. The second, Heaven, (2009), titled ÒHeavenÓ, was curated by Nadja Argyropoulou, Diana Baldon, Christopher Marinos, Chus Martinez, Dimitris Papaioannou, Cay Sophie Rabinowitz, and Zafos Xagoraris, and designed by Andreas Angelidakis, under the artistic direction of XYZ. Heaven included approximately 150 international artists and was hosted in the Faliron Olympic Complex, receiving over 75, 000 visitors. The third edition that will take place in mid October 2011, will be curated by Nicolas Bourriaud and XYZ.

The Athens Biennale aims to be an agent of constant change and innovation, and provide a context for creativity and dialogue while functioning within an international network of large-scale periodic contemporary art events. It intends to constitute a platform for the critical engagement of local artistic production, and engage discussions and exchange with the international scene. The Athens Biennial constantly reflects on models of exhibitions to investigate new ways to curate, and facilitate the production of as many new art works as possible.

In addition to the exhibition, the Athens Biennale is continued through a varied program of activities. It supports and co-organizes smaller exhibitions in different countries (such as Goldfish Suddenly Dead, Extra City, Antwerp, 2009; and Away and Boil Your Head, Palazzo Valle, Catania, 2010); organizes internships and residencies for artists and art professionals, often in collaboration with art institutions and universities; organizes theoretical conferences (such as Prayer for (Passive?) Resistance, in 2007; and IKT Athens 2010 Congress: Courage!!!), as well as a variety of lectures and public presentations.

The Athens Biennale provides a varied program of tours and guided visits conducted by specialized staff. These are suited to the general public, school and university students, special groups etc. Through the additional activities mentioned above, there exists a constant educational focus.

The Athens Biennale has published four companions to the 1st Athens Biennale 2007 Destroy Athens (Suggestions for the Destruction of Athens, Prayer for (Passive?) Resistance, Destroy Athens [exh. Cat.], and Destroy Athens. A Narrative). A catalogue was also produced for the 2nd Athens Biennale 2009 Heaven. All publications are in Greek and English.

Each Athens Biennale is held in a different venue, to address the city of Athens in a variety of ways, and to experiment with the biennale as an exhibition model. The 1st Athens Biennale was held in the Technopolis of the City of Athens, a former gas factory. The 2nd Athens Biennale was held in the Faliron Olympic Complex, a disused space built for the Athens 2004 Olympics. The 3rd Athens Biennale will be held in the “Factory”, the exhibition venue of the Athens School of Fine Arts, as well as other spaces in the school.