Founded in 1996 in response to the shifting political, economic, and social landscapes of post–Cold War Europe, Manifesta has since become a platform for dialogue between art and society. Over the past 28 years, the biennial has held 15 editions across Europe, featuring 989 participants. Moving to a new city every two years, Manifesta engages with local communities and environments, addressing themes such as identity, diversity, migration, the environment, and globalisation.
University of Coimbra square and library.
The upcoming 2026 edition, Manifesta 16, will take place in the German Ruhr region, from 21 June to 4 October 2026. This edition will explore both artistic and social implications of global logistics, new trade routes, digital economies, and evolving working conditions in Europe. Previous editions include Manifesta 15 Barcelona, Manifesta 14 Prishtina, and Manifesta 13 Marseille.
On 4 August 2025, Margarida Balseiro Lopes, Portugal’s Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports announced Coimbra as the host city for Manifest 17 in 2028. The Portuguese city is home to the 13th-century University of Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and has long held a prominent role in the arts. The city is also known for the Círculo de Artes Plásticas de Coimbra (CAPC), the oldest institution in Portugal dedicated to contemporary art.
“This will be a truly transformative moment for the city and the region, allowing Coimbra to establish itself as a centre for contemporary creation, critical thinking and European dialogue. Manifesta, which will have Rua da Sofia as one of its key focal points, strengthens our commitment to culture, citizen participation, sustainable development and openness to the world […],” said José Manuel Silva, Mayor of Coimbra.
View of Coimbra. © Coimbra City Council.
Manifesta was invited to Coimbra by Anozero – Biennial of Contemporary Art. Hedwig Fijen, Director of Manifesta, praised the partnership: “Manifesta is entering a new phase of cross-cultural collaboration within the European arts and architecture landscape by partnering with the Coimbra-based biennial Anozero. This remarkable initiative, led by Carlos Antunes and Désirée Pedro, reflects a shared commitment to working together across institutions and contexts.”
Manifesta 17 will mark a key milestone for the biennial with its first edition in Portugal. A formal signing ceremony will take place in Coimbra in September 2025, bringing together all key partners.
Cover image: Berio Molina, Dislocación, 2022 (installation view at Mosteiro de Santa Clara-a-Nova, Coimbra, Portugal, during Anozero‘24). ©️ Jorge das Neves/Anozero – Bienal de Coimbra.
