“Biennial” is based on the Latin term “biennis,” which combines “bi-,” meaning “two,” and “annus,” meaning “year.” This term means “every other year,” but it’s often confused with “biannual,” which means “twice a year.” In the contemporary art world, “biennial” describes art exhibitions that occur every two years. The tradition started with the Venice Biennale, founded in 1895. Today, “biennales” — Italian for “biennials” — refers to a series of major art shows that take place every two years in cities including New York City, Shanghai, Moscow, Vancouver, Jakarta, Havana, and Adelaide.