Sonsbeek 2026: Memory as Living Action in Arnhem

Sonsbeek 2026, titled 'Memory as Living Action', opened in Arnhem, Netherlands, curated by Amira Gad and Christina Li. The exhibition, running until 11 October, spans Park Sonsbeek and other sites across the city and region, featuring 18 artists and collectives, including 12 new commissions. The theme draws on Sonsbeek's post-WWII origins as a gesture of healing, addressing contemporary global crises. Opening festivities included a performance by Egyptian dance collective nasa4nasa, co-founded by Noura Saif Hassanein and Salma AbdelSalam, who presented 'Promises' outside the Stadsvilla. Lebanese artist Mounira Al Solh's sculpture 'And Europa fled' (2026) is displayed in the Sint-Jansbeek stream, depicting Europa in a murex shell with a miniature boat on her head, created by collaborator George Barbour during his forced relocation to Jordan. Palestinian artist Jumana Manna's installation 'Your Time Passes And Mine Has No Ends' (2025) is shown at satellite venue Omstand, featuring banners and scarves with messages from Palestinian political prisoners. The exhibition emphasizes memory as a dynamic force for collective learning and renewal.