Coimbra Welcomes Manifesta 2028: A Nomadic Art Biennial

Manifesta 2028 Makes a Historic First Trip to Portugal

The 2028 edition of the Europe‑wide nomadic biennial, Manifesta, will mark a landmark occasion, as it arrives in Portugal for the very first time. The event will be staged in the historic city of Coimbra, where a collaborative program will spotlight the interconnections between contemporary art, cultural heritage, and sustainable social change.

Key Themes for the Collaborative Edition

• Art’s Evolution – Curatorial projects that explore new media and critical responses to localized narratives.
• Heritage and Identity – Exhibitions that trace the layers of Coimbra’s architectural and oral traditions.
• Social Transformation – Interactive installations inviting community participation and reflection on future pathways.

Coimbra as a Cultural Hub

Coimbra’s blend of ancient university life and vibrant creative scene provides an ideal backdrop. The city’s historic libraries and picturesque riverbanks will serve as both inspiration and canvas for the biennial’s artistic endeavours.

Collaborative Partnerships

Local institutions, including the University of Coimbra and municipal cultural offices, will lend expertise, ensuring that the event resonates both with residents and visitors alike.

What to Expect for 2028

Participants can anticipate a fusion of immersive exhibitions, workshops, and public debates designed to provoke dialogue and foster connections across disciplines, audiences, and borders.

Manifesta 17 Set to Launch in Coimbra, Portugal

Historic First for the Portuguese Capital

In an announcement that marked a milestone for Portugal’s cultural calendar, the Manifesta biennial of contemporary art and urban practice will arrive in Coimbra for the first time in 2028. The decision follows years of planning and partnership building.

Collaborative Edition with Anozero

The 2028 edition, officially titled Manifesta 17, will be jointly curated with Anozero, a biennial hosted by the Municipality of Coimbra and the University of Coimbra. This collaboration aims to weave local talent and global perspectives into one cohesive narrative.

Government Endorsement and Cultural Impact

Portugal’s Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Margarida Balseiro Lopes, emphasized the national significance of the event:

• “Hosting Manifesta in Coimbra represents a strategic opportunity,” she said.
• The move underscores the government’s commitment to enriching cultural life across the entire territory.

Looking Ahead

With its arrival, Manifesta 17 will spotlight the intersection of contemporary art, urban dynamics, and community engagement, positioning Coimbra as a notable hub in Europe’s evolving cultural landscape.

Coimbra Welcomes a Landmark Arts Event

University of Coimbra Announces the Upcoming Manifesta Biennial

In a highly-touted announcement, the University of Coimbra proudly revealed that the city will host the forthcoming edition of the renowned Manifesta biennial. The event is set to arrive in the historic capital of Portugal, amplifying the city’s cultural prominence across Europe.

Why This Decision Matters

The declaration, delivered with enthusiasm, emphasized the transformative power of dialogue between art and society. Officials highlighted how the event would serve as a catalyst for regional development, delivering significant economic benefits and boosting tourism potential.

Manifesta’s Legacy

• Founded in 1996, Manifesta travels biennially, first setting the scene in a new European city or region.
• Past editions burst onto cities like Palermo, Marseille, and Rotterdam, with the most recent edition in Barcelona in 2024.

Coimbra’s Strategic Collaboration

Choosing Coimbra reflects intentional alignment with the city’s heritage, famed academic institutions, and vibrant local community. According to the event’s chief director, Hedwig Fijen, Manifesta is evolving toward more localized partnerships.

Key Collaborator: Anozero

• ANOZero, a biennial crafted in Coimbra, is orchestrated by Carlos Antunes and Désirée Pedro.
• Through this collaboration, Manifesta aims to bridge art with architecture and social context, unlocking new avenues for cross-cultural innovation.

The Future of the Art World

Focused on co‑creation among institutions, the partnership is seen as a pioneering model. Fijen confirmed that such synergy will not only strengthen communities but may also shape future artistic initiatives across Europe.

Manifesta 2028: Portugal’s New Chapter

National Collaboration Partners

• Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports – spearheading cultural alignment
• Ministry of Tourism – ensuring global visibility and visitor engagement

Coimbra’s Impact on the Biennial

Coimbra, celebrated for its Romanesque heritage and academic prestige, offers a vibrant stage for Manifesta’s artistic vision. Key landmarks include:

• Old Cathedral (Sé Velha) – a Romanesque masterpiece tracing back to 1117
• University of Coimbra – ranked a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2013

These historic sites, combined with the city’s thriving creative community, will inspire both the setting and the ethos of Manifesta 17.

Prior Edition: Manifesta 16

Before Portugal, the biennial will unfold across the Ruhr region in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany (21 June – 4 October 2026). This edition expands across several post‑industrial hubs, continuing the tradition of using contemporary art to spark civic renewal and imaginative possibilities.

Key Themes for the Upcoming Edition

• Exploring the intersection of heritage and modernity
• Facilitating dialogue between local artisans and international curators
• Encouraging community participation through site‑specific installations