Manif d’art 12: Winter as Material and Political Condition in Québec City Biennial
Manif d’art 12—The Québec City Biennial will take place from February 28 to April 19, 2026, across 41 locations in Québec City, Lévis, and surrounding areas, showcasing over 60 artists from 18 different nations. Curated by Didier Morelli with the theme Briser la glace / Splitting Ice, this biennial emphasizes winter as a fundamental element influencing creation, distribution, and timing rather than merely a backdrop. Since its inception in 2000, it has collaborated with over 50 cultural organizations. Notable works include Jessie Kleeman's ice sculpture An Iceberg / ILULIAQ at Espace Quatre Cents and Tania Candiani's military-inspired river-listening device. Additionally, 35% of the artworks were commissioned, and 21% of the participating artists identify as Indigenous. The event welcomed 24 international professionals from March 16 to 20, and a Philanthropic Passport was introduced. A 530-page bilingual catalogue, published by CÉAC, featuring essays by Morelli, Léuli Eshraghi, Joana Joachim, and Tanya Lukin Linklater, will be available in bookstores starting June 2, 2026.
Key facts
- Manif d’art 12 runs from February 28 to April 19, 2026.
- The biennial takes place at 41 venues across Québec City, Lévis, and beyond.
- Over 60 artists from 18 countries participate.
- The theme is Briser la glace / Splitting Ice, curated by Didier Morelli.
- 35% of works were commissioned for this edition.
- 21% of artists come from Indigenous communities.
- 24 international professionals attended from March 16 to 20.
- A bilingual catalogue (530 pages) will be released on June 2, 2026.
Entities
Artists
- Jessie Kleeman
- Tania Candiani
- Minha Park
- Maria Ezcurra
- Joi T. Arcand
- Elias Nafaa
- Maureen Gruben
- Didier Morelli
- Léuli Eshraghi
- Joana Joachim
- Tanya Lukin Linklater
- Evergon
- Joyce Joumaa
- Ali Yass
- Camille
- Dounia Bouzidi
- Laurence Duchesne
- Ally Rosilio
- Pia Arke
- Maude Bernier Chabot
- Cozic
- Carola Grahn
- Couzyn van Heuvelen
- Jessie Kleemann
- Joiri Minaya
- Oluseye
- nibia pastrana santiago
- Nicolas Renaud
- Racquel Rowe
- Françoise Sullivan
- Judy Watson
- Catherine Arsenault
- Vanessa Bell
- Jordan Bennett
- Lori Blondeau
- Ludovic Boney
- Carolina Caycedo
- Anna Ehrenstein
- Alexa Evangelista
- María Ezcurra
- Amélie Laurence Fortin
- Glenn Gear
- Amy Malbeuf
- Jota Mombaça
- Sunny Pfalzer
- Antonio Pichillá Quiacaín
- Vicky Sabourin
- Ciwas Tahos
- Lucy Tomasino
- Anouk Verviers
- Sabrina Ratté
- Sylvie Tourangeau
- Giorgia Volpe
- Carole Baillargeon
- Zou Desbiens
- Mylène Michaud
- Camille Ratté
- Berirouche Feddal
- Amanda Preval
- Tyra Maria Trono
- Valérie Cain-Bourget
- Nady Larchet
- Mériol Lehmann
- Karine Locatellià
- Kuh Del Rosario
- naakita f.k
- Nina Vroemen
Institutions
- Manif d’art
- Espace Quatre Cents
- Le Lieu, centre en art actuel
- La Chambre Blanche
- CÉAC
- Concordia University
- Canadian Centre for Architecture (CCA)
- Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec (MNBAQ)
- Fonds de recherche du Québec – Société et culture (FRQSC)
- Manif d'art – The Québec City Biennial
Locations
- Québec City
- Canada
- Lévis