Manifesta 6 Cancelled After Political Clash Over Cyprus School Plan

The European Biennial of Contemporary Art, known as Manifesta 6, was scheduled to take place in Nicosia, Cyprus, from September 17 to December 23, 2006, but was ultimately cancelled due to a disagreement regarding its curatorial direction. Curators Mai Abu ElDahab, Anton Vidokle, and Florian Waldvogel intended to establish an experimental art school that would span both the Greek and Turkish areas of the divided city, including the northern sector under Turkish control. In May 2006, Nicosia for Art Ltd (NFA), under Mayor Michael Zampelas, ended the contract, citing legal issues. Following Abu ElDahab's departure over visa complications, the remaining curators faced allegations of breaching confidentiality. On July 5, 2006, both the Manifesta Foundation and NFA pursued a peaceful resolution in court. Previous editions of Manifesta took place in various locations, drawing inspiration from institutions like Black Mountain College and Bauhaus.