Coimbra to Host Manifesta Anozero’28: Art, Heritage and Future on a European Platform
'Manifesta 17 Coimbra Anozero'28' was presented on 17 September in Rua da Sofia, with representatives from the government, the university, the city council and the culture sector in attendance.
“This is not just the presentation of a cultural event, it’s a large-scale European project with impact on the city, region and country,” said the Portuguese Minister for Culture, Youth and Sport, Margarida Balseiro Lopes, noting that Coimbra was chosen for its “solid, ambitious and strategic” application, combining heritage and forward-looking vision.”
The Minister highlighted three key dimensions of the initiative: “The economic dimension, as Manifesta will be a powerful driver of internationalisation; the urban dimension, through the revitalisation of Rua da Sofia and new cultural spaces; and the environmental dimension, reinforcing the link between Culture and sustainability through the recovery of native forests.” She also announced €4 million in funding to secure this ambition.
The UC Vice-Rector for culture and open Science of the University of Coimbra (UC), Delfim Leão, called Manifesta “an outstanding opportunity for Coimbra. For an institution with 735 years of history, engaging with contemporary art drives innovation and strengthens ties with the city and region."
Manifesta Director Hedwig Fijen emphasised the uniqueness of the project: “Manifesta is Europe’s only nomadic biennial, and the only one in the world to change location every two years. The first edition took place in 1996 in Rotterdam, and the 16th will be held in the Ruhr region, Germany.” She added that the event will transform parts of Coimbra, improving mobility, renovating spaces, opening pedestrian areas, and attracting international participants, especially young people. “We need Portugal and Coimbra, but perhaps Coimbra also needs a bit of Manifesta,” she said.
Carlos Antunes, Director of the Círculo de Artes Plásticas de Coimbra, highlighted the symbolic importance of the biennial and the environmental initiative A Sea of Trees, which aims to restore 400 hectares of forest per municipality and create a lasting legacy.
Mayor José Manuel Silva described Manifesta as “more than a Nomadic Biennial of Contemporary Art; it is a platform for community transformation”.
