Here is an overview paper on the Effect of Biennials on the Art Market, Countries, and Artists.
I was interested in this topic because it appears that the multiplicity of biennials have had an enormous effect upon the art market and artists in general. Biennials are usually created and hosted by a particular country; does hosting one help anything?
Check out the Biennial Foundation if you're interested in seeing details about the hundreds of biennials.
People whose work I like:
Diana Oh http://www.dianaoh.com/
Emily Roysdon (this: http://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-modern/music-and-live-performance/bmw-tate-live-performance-room-emily-roysdon-i-am)
Dorthea Tanning (for example http://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/tanning-a-mi-voix-t00298)
Pacific Rim Sculptors http://www.pacrimsculptors.org