In the midst of a travel story giving guidance to potential Venice Biennale goers, Thomas Daniel of the Financial Times offers this reminder that beyond Venice and the Basel Art Fair this Summer, there remain a number of Biennial art events in the world’s cities:

There’s hardly a self-respecting world city that doesn’t boast a biennale these days, so when planning a holiday you can take your pick. This summer sees the second Athens event, opening June 15, this time entitled “Heaven”. It’s described as “a multifaceted contemporary art event”, with exhibitions, theatre and music performances, film screenings and discussions. Athens which is awash with early summer festivals, is particularly nice before it gets too hot. The annual Athens Epidaurus festival, starting on May 23, includes theatre, dance and music as well as exhibitions. The Athens Fringe Festival, meanwhile, runs from June 15-21. Also in Greece, from May 24, is Thessaloniki’s second biennale, entitled “Praxis: Art in Times of Uncertainty”, so real culture hounds could take in both destinations before retiring to a beach to recuperate.

Istanbul, too, has its biennale this year. Entitled “What Keeps Mankind Alive?”, it is curated by Croatian curatorial collective What, How & for Whom (WHW), and kicks off on September 12. Those interested in the crafts of Asia, should head to Korea for the Cheongju International Craft Biennale 2009, opening on September 23.

The Venice Biennale (Financial Times)