Hedwig Fijen on Manifesta's Interdisciplinary Future
Hedwig Fijen, founder and director of Manifesta since 1993, discusses the European Biennial's evolution from a traditional contemporary art exhibition to an interdisciplinary platform addressing socio-ecological transitions. Fijen highlights Manifesta 14 in Kosovo as a turning point, where the biennial engaged citizens through 400 meetings, created lasting infrastructure like bike lanes and gardens, and collaborated with architects and urbanists. The upcoming Manifesta 15 in Barcelona will focus on ecological transition and climate change, working with groups like Embassy of the North Sea. Fijen emphasizes the need for art to counter disinformation, move beyond neoliberal attitudes, and give culture a visionary role. She credits Manifesta 14 with helping Kosovo gain visa-free access to the EU in 2024.
Key facts
- Hedwig Fijen founded Manifesta in Rotterdam in 1993.
- Manifesta 14 in Kosovo involved 400 community meetings and created 10 venues, 6 of which will remain active for 4 years.
- Manifesta 15 in Barcelona will address ecological transition and climate change.
- Fijen studied History and Art History at the University of Amsterdam.
- Manifesta collaborates with Embassy of the North Sea and eco-feminist groups.
- Kosovo citizens gained visa-free EU access from January 1, 2024.
- Fijen previously worked at the Dutch Office of Fine Arts.
- Manifesta is the only nomadic biennial in the world.
Entities
Artists
- Hedwig Fijen
- Carlo Ratti
- Jacques Rancière
- Ada Colau
Institutions
- Manifesta
- University of Amsterdam
- Dutch Office of Fine Arts
- Embassy of the North Sea
- Centre for Narrative Practice
- European Commission
Locations
- Haarlemmerliede
- Rotterdam
- Netherlands
- Kosovo
- Pristina
- Palermo
- Marseille
- Barcelona
- Italy
- Greece
- Morocco
- Turkey
- Ukraine
- Balkans
- Europe