Manifesta 15: Catalyzing Art and Socio-Ecological Change Across 12 Barcelona Cities

From September 8 to November 24, 2024, Manifesta 15, the European Nomadic Biennial, will take over the metropolitan region of Barcelona, encompassing 12 cities and an area of 3,000 square kilometers. This edition is set to be the largest ever, reaching an impressive 5.1 million inhabitants. The biennial, which relocates to a new city every two years, aims to reshape the intersection of art, culture, and society by focusing on socio-ecological change and fostering a continuous dialogue between local communities and international artists.

Manifesta’s nomadic nature means each edition is defined by the culture, history, and specific socio-political context of the Host City. For Manifesta 15, the bid to host was spearheaded by the Barcelona City Council with the backing of 11 additional cities in the Barcelona metropolitan area: Badalona, Cornellà de Llobregat, El Prat de Llobregat, Granollers, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Mataró, Sabadell, Sant Adrià de Besòs, Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Sant Cugat del Vallès, and Terrassa.

Reshaping Relationships Between Art and Society

Manifesta 15 will not only showcase traditional artworks but will also investigate socio-ecological issues through innovative cultural productions. The goal is to catalyze positive change by drawing on art to challenge conventional structures and exploring alternative visions for urban and rural landscapes. Diverse international artists and cultural producers will collaborate with local communities, adding fresh perspectives on the evolving cultural fabric and history of the region.

The conceptual approach of this edition aligns with contemporary themes such as environmental sustainability, urbanization, migration, and social justice. It will explore how art can act as a mediator, fostering community engagement while promoting a deeper understanding of shared ecological and social concerns. As the biennial spans 12 cities, each locale will contribute its unique cultural identity, leading to a rich tapestry of interconnected narratives. Manifesta 15 aims to build a lasting legacy, encouraging future generations to embrace sustainable living and mutual coexistence.

Symbolic Venues

In keeping with Manifesta’s tradition of using extraordinary venues, the 2024 edition will feature sites that reflect the biennial’s thematic focus. These include historic, industrial, and cultural landmarks within each city, symbolizing both the local perspectives and the global interconnectedness of art. By hosting events in such symbolic locations, Manifesta 15 reinforces its mission to connect communities through cultural expression while highlighting socio-ecological challenges.

A New Model for Regional Art Engagement

One of the defining characteristics of Manifesta 15 is the scale of collaboration involved. While previous editions of Manifesta were typically hosted by a single city, this edition expands to involve 12 cities, each contributing its unique local resources to create a sprawling yet cohesive cultural experience. The spread of the biennial across such a vast area highlights the significance of regional art in a globalized world, while the participation of so many cities showcases the collaborative potential of art to engage people across different contexts.

Barcelona’s Metropolitan Transformation

As Manifesta 15 sets its sights on Barcelona, it not only emphasizes the city’s artistic history but also pushes forward its socio-political evolution. The biennial will build on Barcelona’s rich cultural heritage while offering new insights into modern challenges, such as urbanization, the environment, and economic disparity. This edition will amplify local voices and ensure that global cultural producers learn from the rich diversity that Barcelona’s metropolitan region offers. From interactive installations to live performances, the biennial will draw from these cities’ histories, architecture, and communities to create art that resonates locally and globally.

Looking Ahead

Manifesta 15 is poised to leave an indelible mark on the Barcelona metropolitan region. By fostering collaboration between local citizens and artists from around the world, this edition will highlight the transformative power of art in addressing both local and global socio-ecological challenges. The biennial will also serve as a call to action, inviting individuals and communities to rethink their relationships with the environment and one another.

The events scheduled for the 12-week biennial will feature everything from visual art and performances to community-led initiatives and workshops. Manifesta 15 promises to be a dynamic and multifaceted experience that will engage diverse audiences and lay the groundwork for future socio-cultural movements.

As Manifesta 15 takes over the Barcelona metropolitan region, it aims to be a celebration of art’s potential to reshape how we engage with the world around us. By focusing on socio-ecological issues, the biennial will encourage dialogue, inspire action, and foster new relationships between art, culture, and society. The inclusion of 12 cities adds a unique dimension to the event, transforming it into an expansive and ambitious exploration of art’s role in driving change.