A pioneering nomadic art platform that transforms a different European location every two years, examining the changing dynamics of European identity through site-specific exhibitions, urban interventions, and community engagement.
Manifesta, also known as the European Nomadic Biennial, is a unique pan-regional contemporary art event that changes location every two years, exploring the cultural, social, and political landscape of Europe through the lens of its host cities. Founded in 1994 by Dutch art historian Hedwig Fijen, Manifesta emerged in the aftermath of the Cold War as a response to the changing social and geopolitical realities of a Europe in transformation.
Unlike traditional biennials that maintain a fixed location, Manifesta's nomadic model allows it to engage directly with diverse European contexts, from major capitals to peripheral cities that are experiencing moments of change or transition. This nomadic approach enables Manifesta to continually redefine its format and methodologies, responding to the specific challenges and opportunities presented by each host location.
Through an expansive program of exhibitions, urban interventions, performances, education initiatives, and public discussions, Manifesta acts as a catalyst for social change, a platform for artistic innovation, and a laboratory for reimagining the relationship between art, urban space, and civic society. Each edition creates a unique dialogue between international contemporary art practices and the local cultural ecosystem, forging connections that often continue beyond the biennial's duration.
Manifesta's origins can be traced to the early 1990s, a period of profound change in Europe following the fall of the Berlin Wall and the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Recognizing the need for a new kind of cultural platform that could engage with this shifting landscape, Hedwig Fijen conceived of a nomadic biennial that would move between different European locations, particularly focusing on regions experiencing transition or reinvention.
The inaugural edition of Manifesta took place in Rotterdam in 1996, establishing a framework for future iterations: a collaborative curatorial approach, engagement with local contexts, and an emphasis on emerging artists and experimental practices. This first edition set the tone for Manifesta's commitment to exploring European identity beyond traditional centers of cultural production, and to fostering dialogue across geographical, political, and disciplinary boundaries.
Over the subsequent decades, Manifesta has evolved in response to changing artistic practices, social conditions, and institutional frameworks. What began primarily as a traditional exhibition format has expanded to encompass urban research, community-based projects, long-term educational initiatives, and interdisciplinary collaborations. This evolution reflects Manifesta's commitment to remaining responsive to contemporary challenges while developing more sustainable and impactful approaches to cultural production.
Throughout its history, Manifesta has not shied away from engaging with complex or contentious issues. The planned 2006 edition in Nicosia, Cyprus, was ultimately cancelled due to political tensions surrounding the divided city, while the 2014 edition in St. Petersburg proceeded despite controversy related to Russia's political climate. These moments highlight Manifesta's willingness to navigate difficult terrain in pursuit of meaningful cultural exchange and dialogue.
Manifesta is founded by Dutch art historian Hedwig Fijen in response to the changing European landscape after the Cold War
Inaugural edition of Manifesta takes place in Rotterdam, Netherlands, establishing the biennial's collaborative curatorial model
Planned edition in Nicosia, Cyprus is cancelled due to political tensions surrounding the divided city
Manifesta 9 in Genk, Belgium explores post-industrial transformation through a dialogue between contemporary art, local heritage, and collective memory
Manifesta 12 in Palermo adopts "The Planetary Garden" theme, examining migration, climate change, and cultural hybridization
Manifesta 14 takes place in Pristina, Kosovo, focusing on reclaiming public space and fostering civic engagement in Europe's youngest capital
Manifesta distinguishes itself through its deep engagement with the specific historical, social, and urban conditions of each host location. Rather than imposing predetermined themes, the biennial develops its conceptual framework through extensive research and dialogue with local communities, institutions, and stakeholders. This site-responsive approach allows Manifesta to address issues that are both locally relevant and globally significant.
Manifesta 15 Barcelona (2024) - Structured around three thematic clusters: "Cure and Care" in the Collserola Mountain Range, "Balancing Conflicts" along the Llobregat Delta, and "Imagining Futures" along the Besòs River. This decentralized approach explores the metropolitan region of Barcelona beyond its tourist center, examining ecological concerns, urban development, and possible futures through site-specific installations across multiple venues and municipalities.
Manifesta 14 Pristina (2022) - Centered on the reclamation of public space in Kosovo's capital city, this edition focused on how art and culture can facilitate civic ownership and engagement in a post-conflict society. Projects explored the transformation of unused or contested spaces, creating new possibilities for community interaction and cultural expression in Europe's youngest capital.
Manifesta 13 Marseille (2020-2021) - Taking place during the COVID-19 pandemic, this edition examined the port city's complex history and contemporary challenges through the lens of "Traits d'union.s" (Hyphenations), exploring connections and separations across cultural, social, and geographical boundaries. Despite pandemic restrictions, the biennial developed innovative formats for community engagement and artistic presentation.
Across its various editions, several recurring concerns have emerged in Manifesta's thematic explorations:
Through these thematic explorations, Manifesta creates opportunities for critical reflection on the challenges facing contemporary Europe while also imagining alternative futures that are more inclusive, sustainable, and equitable.
At the heart of Manifesta's identity is its nomadic approach, which fundamentally distinguishes it from other major art events. This model of mobility is not merely logistical but conceptual, enabling the biennial to respond to Europe's changing realities while avoiding the institutional stasis that can affect fixed-location events. The selection of each host city involves careful consideration of locations that can serve as microcosms for broader European conditions or that are undergoing significant social, political, or economic transitions.
Host cities are typically selected through a competitive bidding process, with interested cities submitting proposals that outline their vision for hosting Manifesta. The selection criteria include:
Once a host city is selected, Manifesta establishes a local team that works in close collaboration with the Amsterdam-based International Foundation Manifesta (IFM) to develop and realize the biennial.
Since its inception, Manifesta has traveled to diverse European locations, each presenting unique contextual challenges and opportunities:
Manifesta 15 expands beyond the city center to embrace the metropolitan region, exploring urban ecology, cultural identities, and possible futures through a decentralized exhibition model.
Europe's youngest capital hosted Manifesta 14, which focused on reclaiming public space in a post-conflict society still defining its cultural and political identity.
Manifesta 12 explored the Mediterranean port city as a crucible for cross-cultural exchange, migration issues, and ecological challenges through "The Planetary Garden" theme.
The historic Hermitage Museum served as the primary venue for Manifesta 10, creating dialogues between contemporary art and the museum's imperial heritage amid political tensions.
Looking ahead, Manifesta 16 will take place in Germany's Ruhr region in 2026, continuing the biennial's exploration of post-industrial transformation and regional identities in Europe. Each new location builds upon the knowledge and methodologies developed in previous editions while opening new possibilities for artistic and social engagement.
Manifesta has developed a distinctive approach to exhibition-making that prioritizes research, context-specificity, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Moving beyond conventional display formats, the biennial creates multifaceted ecosystems of artistic and social engagement that respond to the unique conditions of each host location.
Each edition of Manifesta begins with an extensive research phase that precedes the main exhibition. This typically involves:
This research phase often results in publications, workshops, and public programs that lay the groundwork for the main exhibition while also producing knowledge that extends beyond the biennial timeframe.
Manifesta typically employs a collaborative curatorial model rather than relying on a single artistic director. Recent editions have used the term "Creative Mediators" to describe this role, emphasizing the curatorial team's function as facilitators of dialogue between artists, communities, and institutions. This collaborative approach allows for diverse perspectives and methodologies to shape each edition.
Rather than confining exhibitions to conventional art spaces, Manifesta activates a wide range of venues throughout its host cities, including:
This distributed model encourages exploration of the host city while creating meaningful connections between artistic interventions and their specific contexts.
A typical edition of Manifesta encompasses multiple program streams that work together to create a comprehensive artistic and social experience:
This multifaceted approach allows Manifesta to engage with different audiences and create various entry points for experiencing contemporary art in relation to social and urban conditions.
Over the past decade, Manifesta has continued to evolve its approach to engaging with European contexts through art, architecture, and urban intervention. Recent editions demonstrate the biennial's commitment to addressing pressing social issues while developing innovative formats for artistic presentation and public engagement.
Taking a metropolitan approach, this edition extended beyond Barcelona's city center to embrace 12 municipalities across the region. Organized around three thematic clusters, it explored ecological concerns, urban conflicts, and future possibilities through 15 venues including a decommissioned power station, a historic monastery, and repurposed industrial spaces.
Held in Kosovo's capital city, this edition focused on reclaiming public space in a post-conflict urban context. Projects included the transformation of an abandoned library into a community center, interventions in the historic Grand Hotel Pristina, and the reactivation of a former brick factory as a site for artistic experimentation and ecological regeneration.
Taking place during the COVID-19 pandemic, this edition adapted its format in response to changing health regulations. Organized around the concept of "Traits d'union.s" (Hyphenations), it explored Marseille's complex identity as a Mediterranean port city through exhibitions, performances, and community-based projects in diverse neighborhoods.
Themed "The Planetary Garden: Cultivating Coexistence," this edition used the garden as a metaphor for cultural diversity and ecological interdependence. Projects were distributed throughout the Sicilian capital, from historic palazzos to botanical gardens, addressing migration, climate change, and urban regeneration in the Mediterranean context.
The next edition of Manifesta will take place in Germany's Ruhr region, a former industrial heartland that has undergone significant transformation in recent decades. With Josep Bohigas appointed as the first Creative Mediator, the biennial will explore the region's evolution from a coal and steel center to a post-industrial cultural landscape. The pre-biennial research process is already underway, examining how global logistical networks, digital economies, and changing work patterns impact regional identities and urban development.
Explore the dynamic nature of Manifesta through this video showcase of recent exhibitions, urban interventions, and community engagement projects across various European host cities.
Explore critical perspectives and insights on Manifesta through these selected articles from leading art publications and critics.
An examination of how Manifesta has transformed from a traditional art biennial into a platform for experimental urban research and intervention across diverse European contexts.
Analysis of how Manifesta's nomadic model has brought attention to overlooked regions and complicated narratives of European identity through its presence in cities like Pristina and Palermo.
Critical reflection on how Manifesta has developed increasingly sophisticated approaches to involving local communities in the co-creation of biennial projects and long-term cultural initiatives.
Since its founding in 1996, Manifesta has traversed Europe, creating a unique geographical narrative through its selection of host cities. This journey reflects the biennial's commitment to engaging with diverse European contexts, from established cultural centers to emerging regions experiencing transformation.
