From its inception, Manifesta has made publications an integral part of the biennial process as a way to document different elements of each edition, from the pre-biennial process to an in-depth look into our diverse programmes.

Through these publications, we aim to foster dialogue, expand knowledge and create a lasting legacy for each biennial edition.

Our publication team are proud to collaborate with local talented editors, designers and publishers to produce publications that reflect the diversity of each biennial edition.

Guide

15 weeks of art, architecture and events across the Ruhr Area. Step inside twelve former church buildings and reimagine them with us as spaces for community, encounter and exchange. From large-scale installations to weaving workshops and dance performances, there is so much to see and do across ten cities of the Ruhr Area.

Price: 5 euros

Where to buy:
Physically at Manifesta 16 Ruhr Info Points:
Kulturkirche Liebfrauen Info point
St Gertrud Info Point
St. Bonifatius – Ferdane Satır Tea Garden
Christ-König

Urban Vision

What becomes of the thousands of post-war churches across Europe facing closure? Developed by Josep Bohigas, First Creative Mediator of Manifesta 16 Ruhr, this Urban Vision reframes the neighbourhood church as civic infrastructure and a catalyst for social transformation: a shared resource for democratic participation, cohesion and everyday encounter. Grounded in regional research and urban analysis of the Ruhr Area, the publication draws on workshops, fieldwork and interdisciplinary dialogue to arrive at a series of speculative proposals for the European Nomadic Biennial in 2026.

Companion volume to Manifesta 16 Ruhr: This is not a church. Catalogue.
Also available as a bundle

Price: 15 euros or 10 euros from our Info Points
ISBN: 978-3-98741-255-4

Where to buy
Physically at Manifesta 16 Ruhr Info Points:
Kulturkirche Liebfrauen Info point
St Gertrud Info Point
St. Bonifatius – Ferdane Satır Tea Garden
Christ-König

Catalogue

Bringing together newly commissioned artworks, installation views, essays, conversations and project documentation, this publication features contributions from the participants, Creative Mediators, researchers and community partners whose voices shaped Manifesta 16 Ruhr. Richly illustrated throughout, it offers a comprehensive account of the biennial while tracing the Ruhr Area's post-war history and exploring how contemporary art, architecture and collaborative practice can open new futures for neighbourhood church buildings as places of democratic participation, social cohesion and shared encounter.

Companion volume to Manifesta 16 Ruhr: This is not a church. Urban Vision
Also available as a bundle.

Price: 20 euros
ISBN: 978-3-98741-252-3

Where to buy:
Physically at Manifesta 16 Ruhr Info Points:
Kulturkirche Liebfrauen Info point
St Gertrud Info Point
St. Bonifatius – Ferdane Satır Tea Garden
Christ-König