Manifesta 17 Coimbra x Anozero will take place in 2028 in Coimbra, Portugal.

Coimbra is known for its academic traditions, historic architecture and vibrant cultural life. Centred around Rua de Sofia and the downtown area, the biennial will explore the questions: how could we open up this historic part of the city for new uses? And how can we create new civic, urban and ecological opportunities for and with the local residents?

Through long-term participatory projects and artistic and architectural interventions, the biennial will explore how historic spaces can take on new civic and cultural roles, reconnecting Coimbra's heritage with the everyday lives of its residents, students and communities far beyond the biennial period.

For the first time, Manifesta and Anozero – Bienal de Coimbra join forces, bringing together two biennials with a shared commitment to artistic experimentation, knowledge production and social engagement. Together, they will explore how the city's rich architectural and academic heritage can become a starting point for new forms of cultural production, civic participation and sustainable urban transformations.

Pre-biennial Activities

Participation, research and knowledge production are central to Manifesta's approach. Each edition begins with a process of listening, exchange and collaboration, responding to the needs, perspectives and aspirations of local communities.

The pre-biennial activities for Manifesta 17 Coimbra x Anozero begin in autumn 2026 with Expectation Workshops involving local academic, cultural and social stakeholders in Coimbra. Further workshops are planned for the coming months.

In early 2027, Citizens' Consultations will bring together a diverse range of Coimbra's residents to gather perspectives on the city, its cultural landscape and its future.

The insights gathered through these participatory processes will help shape the conceptual and curatorial development of Manifesta 17 Coimbra x Anozero, ensuring that local knowledge and perspectives inform the biennial programme.

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Partners

Every edition of Manifesta is made possible through the support of a wide network of public institutions, international funds, foundations and cultural partners, many of which have collaborated with the International Foundation Manifesta for decades.

Manifesta 17 Coimbra x Anozero is supported by its initiating funding partners: Portugal's Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Portugal’s Ministry of Economy and Territorial Cohesion, the Municipality of Coimbra and the University of Coimbra.

In addition to this support, Manifesta 17's development and fundraising team will seek further partnerships and funding to realise the ambitions of the 2028 edition.

Interested in becoming a partner and supporting Manifesta 17 Coimbra x Anozero? Please contact Tiziana Destino, Fundraising Coordinator, at tizianadestino@manifesta.org.

Organisation

Each edition of Manifesta is developed and managed by a combination of permanent international team members and local specialists, working from its offices in Amsterdam and the Host City or Region.

The collaboration with Anozero, founded by the Círculo de Artes Plásticas de Coimbra (CAPC), the City Council of Coimbra and the University of Coimbra, introduces a new model of cooperation between an international nomadic biennial and an established local cultural platform.

By bringing together international perspectives and local knowledge, the two biennials aim to strengthen Coimbra's cultural ecosystem and create opportunities for long-term exchange and collaboration. The Manifesta and Anozero teams will work closely together throughout the development and realisation of the 2028 edition.

Interested in joining the Manifesta 17 Coimbra x Anozero team? Follow Manifesta's social media channels for the latest vacancies and opportunities.