Manifesta 15 Barcelona: excitement and questions for the biggest biennial in its history

It is no secret that the 15th edition of the Nomadic Biennale explores not only the urban, environmental and political challenges facing the metropolitan region, but also how these challenges mirror those affecting other European metropolises . With a budget of around 9 million euros (a concerted commitment by all Catalan and state public administrations, something that is not very common), it begins with excitement and questions about how it will develop. A Forum will reflect on whether the objectives have been achieved and whether an investment of these characteristics ends up being a success. Manifesta 15 will take place from September 8 to November 24, 2024, it is the new edition of the prestigious nomadic contemporary art biennial, started in Rotterdam in 1996. With an unprecedented decentralized character, this edition embraces a much wider territory than any other, since it will involve 16 headquarters spread over twelve cities in the metropolitan area of Barcelona: Badalona, Cornellà de Llobregat, El Prat de Llobregat, Granollers, L'Hospitalet, Mataró, Sabadell, Sant Adrià del Besòs, Santa Coloma de Gramanet, Sant Cugat del Vallès and Terrassa . This unprecedented geographical scope reflects Manifesta's ambition to connect the historic center of Barcelona with its periphery and its natural environment, including rivers, mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, with its central headquarters being the historic headquarters of the Gustavo Gili Publishing House , a symbol of the world of publishing and artistic culture.

The event has three thematic clusters/axes, which are both thematic and geographical: Balancing conflicts (Llobregat delta), Cuidar i cuidar-nos (Serra de Collserola towards the Vallès) and Imagining Futures (river Besòs and surroundings). This edition seeks to generate a significant impact, not only from an artistic point of view, but also in the social and environmental transformation, although it will not be easy with only one-off and nomadic actions. Manifesta 15 aims to highlight the capacity of art and culture to change society, promoting a more harmonious coexistence between people and nature. The Balancing Conflicts cluster, with Casa Gomis as its main headquarters, explores the challenges of coexistence and inequality in the distribution of resources. Cuisar i cuidar.nos, which will open the doors of the Sant Cugat Monastery as its epicenter, focuses on the importance of collective well-being and personal care. Finally, Imagining futurs, will address the construction of a fairer and more sustainable future, with Les Tres Xemeneies de Sant Adrià de Besòs as a symbol. This edition of Manifesto has become one of the most ambitious in history, not not only because of the expansion of its radius but also because of its emphasis on collaboration with local agents, thus reinforcing the idea of the biennale as an incubator for social and cultural change. The biennial seeks to leave a lasting legacy in Barcelona and neighboring cities, promoting dynamics that last over time and fostering a more solid and sustainable cultural sector. In addition, through a broad educational program, the aim is to bring contemporary art closer to the public and especially to the new generations .

Artístic Team: (D'esquerra a dreta) Joan González, Andreu Dengra, Penélope Cañizares, Gisel Noè, Mireia Mascarell, Hedwig Fijen, Filipa Oliveira, Raquel Morcillo, Óscar Abril, Cristina Castells, Ariadna Amat, Imma Vilches and David Linares © Pietro Bertora/Manifesta 15 Barcelona

The European Nomad Biennial evolves in dialogue with its host communities. For Manifesta 15, the modus operandi of the biennial has been deeply influenced by the Catalan tradition of cultural egalitarianism. The physical decentralization of Manifesta 15 throughout the metropolitan region is linked to a democratization of decision-making, as indicated by the creation of the role of Artistic Representative for this edition, as well as the distribution of responsibilities between the Director, the responsible persons of Artistic Mediation, the Manifesta 15 team, the people in charge of organizing the archival presentations and the public, to mention a few and some essential members. More than ever in the history of the biennale, in this edition diffusion prevails over concentration and collective expression is empowered.

So, Manifesta 15 wants to highlight the richness of our plural and diverse culture and, at the same time, encourage dialogue about the future of cities, urban planning and the ecological transition.

Recordaremos aquello que aprendisteis, 2024 © Anaïs Florin. Photo © Mani

WHERE and WHO CAN BE SEEN IN EACH SPACE?

Barcelona / Gustavo Gili. The former Gustavo Gili publishing house is currently the seat of Manifesta 15 Barcelona Metropolitana and is located in the Esquerra de l'Eixample neighborhood. The building, a remarkable example of Catalan architecture from the fifties, was designed by the architects Joaquim Gili and Francesc Bassó, members of the R Group. The publishing house Gustavo Gili is known for being the first to publish authors in the field of visual culture, such as John Berger, Milton Glaser, Rem Koolhaas, Bruno Munari, Joan Fontcuberta and Ellen Lupton, in Spanish.

• Diversorium & Ariadna Guiteras (Collective, based in ES)
• Agnes Essonti Luque (1996, CM/ES)
• Anaïs Florin (1987, FR/ES)
• Germán Labrador Méndez (1980, ES)
• Massa Salvatge & Lluc Mayol (Collective, based in ES)
• Daniela Ortiz & Xose Quiroga (Collective, international)
• Claudia Pagès (1990, ES)
• Paisanaje (Collective, based in ES)
• Tania Safura Adam (1979, MZ/ES)
• Fernando Sánchez Castillo (1970, ES)
• Lorenzo Sandoval (1980, ES)
• They return the esquellas (Collective, based in ES)
• Lara Schnitger (1969, NL/US)
• Transductores (Collective, based in ES)

Cornellà de Llobregat / Concentric Factory. The Concentric Factory is a dynamic space where cinematographic, visual and contemporary arts converge to explore new forms of experience, expression and representation from a local cultural perspective. It serves as an incubator for innovative artistic projects that mix disciplines and languages, offering an advanced vision of the world. This event takes place in an old factory of the Siemens company, which was inaugurated in 1910. This factory was one of the main industrial centers, which lasted for four generations and became a transgenerational icon.

• Katja Novitskova (1984, EE)

Badalona / Fura dels Baus Epic Foundation . The La Fura dels Baus Epic Foundation is a center for the creation and research of advanced arts that promotes horizontal collaboration between disciplines such as humanities, science, technology and society. This space is dedicated to exploring and integrating innovative practices and concepts, promoting interdisciplinary approaches that connect various fields. Facilitating cooperative projects and dialogues, the center aims to spread knowledge and creativity at the intersection of art, science and technology, while addressing contemporary issues affecting society.

Coconut Beach
• Félix Blume (1984, FR)

Sant Cugat del Vallès / Monastery . The Monastery of Sant Cugat is one of the greatest exponents of medieval art in Catalonia. The Cloister is considered a jewel of Romanesque sculpture, one of the most important in Europe, and one of the best preserved. For years it has had an intense program of contemporary art exhibitions.

monastery
• Dana Awartani (1987, PS)
• José Bedia (1959, CU)
• Bea Bonafini (1990, IT)
• Fanja Bouts (1997, NL)
• Judy Chicago (1939, US)
• Simone Fattal (1942, LB/US)
• Marie-Claire Messouma Manlanbien (1990, FR)
• Diana Policarpo (1986, PT/GB)
• radio SLUMBER (Collective, international)
• Mónica Rikić (1986, ES)
• Marianna Simnett (1986, GB)
• Buhlebezwe Siwani (1987, ZA)
• Martin Toloku (1992, GH)
• Wu Tsang (1982, US)

Cal Quiteria
•Nora Ancarola (1955, AR/ES)

Sabadell / L'Estruch. Live arts creation factory. L'Estruch is a center for the production and promotion of live arts, which hosts creative residencies for dance, circus, performance and new scenic formats. The common thread of all activities is contemporary creation.

• Jonathas de Andrade (1982, BR)
• Lamin Fofana (1982, SL)
• Lara Schnitger (1969, NL/US)
• Tanja Smeets (1963, NL)

Granollers / Roca Umbert. Arts factory. A cultural space in constant transformation dedicated to creative processes, artistic training and dialogue between the arts. It is also one of the headquarters of Manifesta 15 Barcelona Metropolitana and will host the Panoràmic festival as part of the Manifesta 15+ program.

Can Jonch. Culture Center for Peace
MASBEDO (Collective, based in IT)

The Porch
•Félix Blume (1984, FR)

Umbert Rock Arts Factory
• Alba G. Corral (1977, ES)
• Lara Schnitger (1969, NL/US)

Museum of Natural Sciences
• Jonathas de Andrade (1982, BR)
• Eva Chettle (1987, FR)
• Hugo Canoilas (1977, PT)

Mataró / Museum of Mataró. Can Marfà Genre of Point Can Marfà is an exhibition space of the Mataró Museum dedicated to the textile industry, an industrial activity that has shaped the city's unique identity. It is located in one of the buildings of the old Marfà factory, which was the most important knitwear producer in Spain before 1936.

M| A | C - Prison
• Korakrit Arunanondchai (1986, TH)
• Martha Atienza (1981, PH)
• Priyageetha Day (1992, SG)
• Domènec (1962, ES)
• Eva Fàbregas (1988, ES)
• Maya Watanabe (1983, PE)

Santa Coloma de Gramenet / Contemporary Art Center Can Sisteré. The Can Sisteré Cultural Center promotes a variety of contemporary art forms, which aims to bring them closer to the public and familiarize the population of Santa Coloma with emerging visual and plastic arts. It also aspires to be a cultural space for community involvement, debate and reflection and becomes a resource for information, learning and enjoyment for local citizens.

The CIBA
• Chiara Camoni (1974, IT)
• Rosa Tharrats & Gabriel Ventura (Collective, based in ES)

Terrace / Sala Muncunill. The Sala Muncunill, inaugurated in 1986, is located inside one of the unique buildings in the city, the Vapor Amat, a former dye factory. It is one of the exhibition spaces that the city dedicates to contemporary artistic practices, along with Casa Soler i Palet.

The Seat of Ægara
• Seyni Awa Camara (1945, SN)
• Marcos Kueh (1995, MY)
• Ana Mendieta (1948 - 1985, CU/US)
• Antoni Miralda (1942, ES)
• Buhlebezwe Siwani (1987, ZA)
• Tanja Smeets (1963, NL)

L'Hospitalet / Art Center Tecla Sala. The Tecla Sala Art Center is an emblematic facility in the city, which houses the Art Center, the central library, the Arranz-Bravo Foundation, the TPK (Pubilla Kases Workshop) and the Study Center of little hospital

• Binta Diaw (1995, SN/IT)

El Prat de Llobregat / Local of the Spigoladors. The Espigoladors Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to combating food waste while empowering people at risk of social exclusion thanks to participatory, inclusive and sustainable processes.

• Larry Achiampong (1984, GH/GB)
• Anca Benera & Arnold Estefan (Collective, based in AT/RO)
• Annette Barcelo (1943, CH)• Magda Bolumar Chertó (1936, ES)
• Chiara Camoni (1974, IT)
• Manuel Chavajay (1982, GT)
• Embassy of the North Sea (Collective, international)
• Gözde İlkin (1981, TR)
• Lola Lasurt (1983, ES)
• Ira Lupu (1990, AU)
• Ana Mendieta (1948-1985, CU/US)
• Fina Miralles (1950, ES)
• Paisanaje (Collective, based in ES)
• Carlos Pérez Siquier (1930-2021, ES)
• Putramentaite Route (1989, LT)
• Enrique Ramírez (1979, CL)
• Felipe Romero Beltrán (1992, CO)
• Lin May Saeed (1973-2023, DE)
• Antoni Tàpies (1923-2012, ES)
• Elmo Vermijs (1982, NL)
• Moisès Villèlia (1928 - 1994, ES)

Sant Adrià de Besòs / Museum of the Immigration History of Catalonia (MhiC) - The Three Chimneys. The Masia de Can Serra, in Sant Adrià de Besòs, hosts the Museum of Immigration History of Catalonia (MhiC), a project that includes a permanent exhibition and a temporary exhibition hall. The space offers an annual program that deals with migration and intercultural dialogue. The MhiC also organizes cultural activities associated with exhibitions and educational activities. The Sant Adrià de Besòs thermal power station is a building located on the left bank of the mouth of the Besòs river, listed as a Cultural Property of Local Interest.

The Three Chimneys
• Niels Albers (1983, NL)
• Carlos Bunga (1976, PT/ES)
• Carolina Caycedo (1978, CO)
• Julian Charrière (1987, FR/CH)
• CHOI+SHINE Architects (Collective, based in NL)
• Claire Fontaine (Collective, based in IT)
• Jeremy Deller (1966, GB)
• Maja Escher (1990, PT/DE)
• Alexandra Daisy Ginsberg (1982, GB)
• Institute for Postnatural Studies & Juan Pablo Pacheco Bejarano (Collective, based in ES)
• Jokkoo & cantdefine.me (Collective, based in ES)
• Nnena Kalu (1966, GB)
• Kiluanji Kia Henda (1979, AO)
• Aurelia Muñoz (1925 - 2011, ES)
• Mike Nelson (1967, GB)
• OJO Estudio (Collective, based in ES)
• Asad Raza (1974, US)
• Diana Scherer (1971, DE/NL)
• Ugo Schiavi (1987, FR)
• Emilija Škarnulytė (1987, LT)
• Dziga Vertov (1896 - 1954, USSR).

Presentations in public spaces throughout the metropolitan region

• Matías Daporta (1987, ES)
• Institute for Postnatural Studies & Juan Pablo Pacheco Bejarano (Collective, based in ES)
• La Casa dels Futurs (Collective, based in ES)
• Lara Schnitger (1969, NL/US)
• They return the esquellas (Collective, based in ES)
• Transductores (Collective, based in ES)

Prehension, 2024 © Asad Raza. Photo © Manifesta 15 Barcelona Metropolitana : Ivan Erofeev

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