11th General Assembly
“Mending the Shores: Transforming Biennials for a Sustainable Future” in partnership with La Biennale de Lyon
October 11–16, 2024
The International Biennial Association (IBA) announces that its 11th General Assembly will take place in partnership with the 17th Lyon Biennale, themed Les Voix des Fleuves, Crossing the Water, from October 11 to 14, 2024. This assembly, titled “Mending the Shores: Transforming Biennials for a Sustainable Future,” will serve as a key event to discuss the future of biennials in response to the global climate crisis and increasing political polarization. As the biennial model continues to evolve, the IBA General Assembly will provide a platform for discussing sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience within the international biennial community.
Biennials have long been an essential space for artistic expression, dialogue, and the production of critical discourses. However, as the world faces unprecedented environmental challenges and political divides, the traditional biennial model is under scrutiny. With its theme, the IBA is committed to transforming biennials into more sustainable and resilient institutions that are versatile enough to adapt to future global challenges.
The four-day event will bring together an impressive lineup of curators, artists, biennial organizers, and thought leaders from around the world. Participants will engage in various discussions, panels, and workshops that explore how biennials can reduce their environmental impact while continuing to serve as platforms for artistic freedom, social justice, and inclusivity.
Opening Discussions on Sustainability, Inclusivity, and Global Solidarity
The General Assembly will kick off with a keynote address by historian Didier Gondola, a leading scholar known for his work on culture, migration, and the complexities of global societies. His keynote will set the tone for the assembly’s main focus on creating sustainable, inclusive biennials that foster global solidarity.
One of the most anticipated panels, “Sustainability Through De-Growth? Between Ecological and Strategic Thinking,” will address how biennials can shift away from the constant growth model and instead focus on meaningful cultural impact. As climate change continues to influence global events, this panel will discuss strategies for reducing the ecological footprint of biennials while ensuring that these events remain culturally significant and innovative.
Exploring Inclusivity and Representation in Biennials
Inclusivity and diversity are at the heart of this year’s discussions, with the second panel titled “Inclusivity and Diversity: How to Broaden the Role of Society in All Its Complexity?” This session will focus on how biennials can become more representative of a wide range of voices, especially those from marginalized and underrepresented communities. The panel will explore ways to ensure that biennials offer a platform for diverse artistic expressions and provide equitable opportunities for all societal groups. The aim is to make biennials truly inclusive, where every voice can find space and recognition.
The Role of Biennials in Promoting Global Solidarity
In an increasingly polarized world, the third panel, “Solidarity and Global Networks: What Role Can Biennials Play in Times of Global Polarisation and Conflict?” will examine how biennials can foster international cooperation and solidarity. This discussion will highlight the role of biennials as spaces where global conversations can take place, bridging divides and promoting peace through the arts. Participants will share examples of biennials that have successfully navigated conflict and division to promote dialogue and understanding across borders.
A Historic Moment for Biennials: The Signing of the Guiding Principles
A major highlight of the 11th General Assembly will be the signing of the Guiding Principles, a landmark document that sets a new ethical code of conduct for biennials around the world. This document represents a shared commitment among IBA members to uphold values of sustainability, inclusivity, and cultural responsibility. The Guiding Principles are designed to guide biennials in embracing sustainable practices and fostering positive social and environmental impact, ensuring that they remain relevant and responsible in the face of global challenges.
The signing of the Guiding Principles marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of biennials. It reflects the collective dedication of the biennial community to creating events that not only showcase artistic innovation but also contribute to the greater good by promoting ethical, sustainable, and inclusive practices.
Why Attend the 11th General Assembly?
As a community-based organization, the IBA offers a unique opportunity for its members to connect, collaborate, and support one another. Over the past decade, the IBA has built a global network of biennials that share resources, showcase projects, and work together to address common challenges. The 11th General Assembly will be a chance for biennial professionals to strengthen these connections and participate in shaping the future of the biennial model.
In addition to the panels and workshops, the event will feature a full day of public programming at the Lyon Biennale, offering the local community an opportunity to engage with the discussions and ideas presented during the assembly. This public day will include interactive sessions that provoke thought and inspire new ways of thinking about the role of biennials in society.
Biennial professionals from across the globe are encouraged to attend this important event and consider becoming members of the IBA. The General Assembly promises to be a transformative gathering that will lay the foundation for a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future for biennials worldwide.
For more details on the program and to RSVP, please visit the IBA website.
