Communities & Education

Projects and events in collaboration with local schools, artists and art collectives, book stores, museums and the neighbourhood

In response to the current global political climate of polarisation and the rise of nationalism, Manifesta 16 Ruhr is exploring alternative models to bring diverse communities together and develop programmes that foster shared perspectives within Ruhr’s multicultural society. By working in non-functioning or abandoned churches and other spaces in the Ruhr Area, Manifesta 16 aims to collaboratively reimagine these neighbourhood sites with residents, artists, children, community organizers, and interdisciplinary professionals, exploring new sustainable approaches reflecting the needs of local communities.

Regarding this, the programmes Spotlights and Schule, Nachbarschaft und Wir are dedicated to the diverse communities of the Ruhr region, giving space and visibility to perspectives and voices that have not been listened to enough.

Manifesta 16 Ruhr’s Communities and Education Programme emerges from collaborative research with local actors. The programme includes projects developed before the biennial and activities that are taking place during it. It collaborates with neighbourhood communities around the exhibition venues and works closely with local actors like artists, schools, museums and the local bookshop.

The projects address a wide range of topics and objectives like youth participation, empowerment, Urban Arts and spaces for creative experimentation. Some projects present their outcomes during the biennial, while others are process-oriented and focus on exchange and shared experiences.