Manifesta 15 is the latest edition of the European Nomadic Biennale, an itinerant contemporary art event that will take place in Barcelona and its metropolitan area from September 8 to November 24, 2024. This biennale, which changes location every two years, has previously been held in cities like Marseille, Zurich, and Palermo, and its purpose is to explore the relationship between art, society, and urbanism, fostering social change through contemporary culture.
A Catalyst for Cultural Transformation
Manifesta 15 aims to transform the cultural landscape of the Barcelona metropolitan area by creating a unified cultural map that endures over time and rethinks the concepts of “center” and “periphery.” In this edition, 12 cities within the metropolitan area will be grouped into three thematic clusters: “Balancing Conflicts,” “Caring and Self-Care,” and “Imagining Futures,” to explore these themes through over 70 cultural events and the participation of more than 90 local and international artists.
History of Manifesta
Founded in the 1990s in response to the new political and cultural reality of Europe following the fall of the Berlin Wall, Manifesta has established itself as a nomadic platform promoting dialogue between art and society to combat polarization and foster positive social change. Its name, derived from the Latin “manifestare,” reflects its mission to make artistic creativity and social commitment visible in each host city.
Manifesta 15 in Barcelona
The selection of Barcelona as the host city for this edition is based on its ability to act as a prototype of a “future world,” where creativity and innovation in cultural management are integrated with the community. The event will extend beyond the city center to locations such as Badalona, Sabadell, Mataró, and Cornellà, among others, involving local communities and developing a new metropolitan cultural ecosystem.
Impact and Participation
Manifesta 15 aims to be a catalyst for socio-ecological transformation in Catalonia, promoting access to and participation in culture without discrimination. The event serves as a forum for research and experimentation, where new artistic prototypes will be designed, and new cultural hubs will be created at a metropolitan level, moving away from traditional divisions between center and periphery.
In summary, Manifesta 15 will not only be an art biennale but also a process of reflection and co-creation that will engage institutions, artists, and citizens in an ongoing dialogue about the role of art and culture in contemporary society.
For more information, you can visit the official Manifesta 15 Barcelona website
