Introduction

ANOZERO – Coimbra Biennial of Contemporary Art is a cultural initiative that transforms Portugal's historic university city into a vibrant platform for contemporary artistic expression. Established in 2015, the biennial takes its name from the concept of "year zero," suggesting both a fresh beginning and a critical revisiting of history, memory, and identity.

Organized by the Círculo de Artes Plásticas de Coimbra (CAPC) in partnership with the Municipality of Coimbra and the University of Coimbra, ANOZERO utilizes the city's rich architectural and cultural heritage as both context and canvas for contemporary interventions. The biennial brings together international and Portuguese artists, fostering dialogue between local contexts and global concerns through exhibitions, performances, discussions, and educational programs.

Narrative & Themes

ANOZERO consistently engages with themes that bridge contemporary artistic practices with Coimbra's unique cultural and intellectual heritage. As a city defined by its historic university—the oldest in Portugal and one of the oldest in Europe—Coimbra presents a rich backdrop for exploring questions of knowledge production, collective memory, and cultural identity.

Each edition of the biennial is organized around a central theme that responds to both local specificities and broader contemporary issues. Previous editions have examined concepts such as heritage and temporality, colonial legacies, collective action, and the relationship between art, science, and technology. Through these thematic explorations, ANOZERO creates space for critical reflection on Portugal's past and present while imagining alternative futures.

The biennial emphasizes site-specificity, encouraging participating artists to engage directly with Coimbra's architectural landmarks, public spaces, and cultural institutions. This approach creates meaningful connections between contemporary artistic interventions and the city's layered history, inviting visitors to experience familiar spaces in new ways.

History & Context

The inaugural edition of ANOZERO was launched in 2015 as an initiative to revitalize Coimbra's contemporary art scene and position the city as an important cultural destination beyond its historical significance. Building on the legacy of Círculo de Artes Plásticas de Coimbra (CAPC), which has been at the forefront of experimental artistic practices in Portugal since the 1950s, the biennial extends this tradition of innovation while creating new platforms for international exchange.

Coimbra's unique position as a city defined by its academic institution and rich cultural heritage provides fertile ground for a biennial that questions established narratives and explores new modes of knowledge production through artistic practice. The University of Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the city's diverse architectural landscape—ranging from medieval structures to modernist buildings—serve as both inspiration and exhibition spaces.

Exhibition Venues

ANOZERO utilizes a diverse range of venues throughout Coimbra, integrating contemporary art interventions with the city's historical and cultural sites. The Círculo de Artes Plásticas de Coimbra (CAPC) serves as the biennial's primary institutional base, hosting major exhibitions and events in its gallery spaces.

Additional venues include University of Coimbra buildings such as the Science Museum, the Machado de Castro National Museum, the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova, and other significant architectural sites throughout the city. This distributed exhibition model encourages visitors to explore Coimbra's urban fabric while encountering contemporary art in both traditional and unexpected contexts.