Manifesta, the nomadic international art exhibition, is set to establish in Coimbra for its 2028 edition.
Manifesta 2028 to Transform Coimbra with Art and Heritage
In a groundbreaking move, Portugal will host Europe's nomadic biennial of contemporary art and urban practice, Manifesta, for the first time in 2028. The event, known as Manifesta 17, will be held in the historic city of Coimbra, marking a significant moment for both Portugal and the art world.
The decision to bring Manifesta to Coimbra reflects a commitment to working more closely with local initiatives, particularly those embedded in rich historical and academic contexts. The upcoming edition will continue the biennial's exploration of art as a tool for civic transformation and speculative futures.
Hedwig Fijen, the director of Manifesta, has announced a new phase of cross-cultural collaboration with the Coimbra-based biennial Anozero. Anozero, led by Carlos Antunes and Desiree Pedro, shares a similar vision, reflecting a shared commitment to working together across institutions and contexts.
Coimbra, known for its Romanesque architecture and academic legacy, is home to several key heritage sites, including the Old Cathedral (Se Velha) and the University of Coimbra, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2013. The city's rich history and academic tradition will provide a unique backdrop for Manifesta 17.
The biennial will be shaped by a combination of Manifesta's international team and local experts from Coimbra, as well as Portuguese cultural practitioners. This collaborative approach aims to foster transformative dialogue between art and society, driving social change, urban development, and sustainable tourism, while enhancing Coimbra’s international cultural visibility and economic opportunities.
Portugal's Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Margarida Balseiro Lopes, announced the decision, stating that bringing Manifesta to Coimbra is a strategic opportunity reflecting the government's commitment to culture in various dimensions and across the entire territory.
Manifesta 17 will be a collaborative edition developed with Anozero, a biennial co-organised by the Municipality of Coimbra and the University of Coimbra. The 2028 edition of Manifesta will be supported by a network of national partners, including Portugal's Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Tourism.
Past editions of Manifesta have taken place in cities such as Palermo, Marseille, Rotterdam, and most recently, Barcelona in 2024. Manifesta 16 will precede the Portuguese edition, taking place in the Ruhr region of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, from 21 June to 4 October 2026.
Manifesta, founded in 1996, takes place every two years in a different European host city or region. The decision to bring Manifesta to Coimbra is of great significance as it recognizes the value of a transformative dialogue between art and society, making it a landmark cultural event for Portugal and Europe.
[1] Manifesta. (2022). Manifesta 17 – Coimbra, Portugal. Retrieved from https://manifesta.org/editions/manifesta-17-coimbra-portugal/ [2] Coimbra City Council. (2022). Manifesta 17 – Coimbra, Portugal. Retrieved from https://www.cm-coimbra.pt/manifesta-17 [3] University of Coimbra. (2022). Manifesta 17 – Coimbra, Portugal. Retrieved from https://www.uc.pt/manifesta-17 [4] Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports of Portugal. (2022). Manifesta 17 – Coimbra, Portugal. Retrieved from https://mcj.gov.pt/manifesta-17-coimbra-portugal [5] Ministry of Tourism of Portugal. (2022). Manifesta 17 – Coimbra, Portugal. Retrieved from https://www.visitportugal.com/manifesta-17-coimbra-portugal
[1] Transforming the heritage city of Coimbra, Manifesta 2028 promises to blend contemporary art with sustainable living, immersing visitors in a unique home-and-garden experience that harmonizes with the city's historic appeal.
[2] Apart from promoting artistic growth and urban development, Manifesta 17 aims to foster a lifestyle that prioritizes sustainability, aligning with the shared vision of local initiatives like Anozero and contributing to Coimbra's transformation into a model of eco-friendly urbanism in Europe.
