Geographical Nodes

The upcoming edition of Manifesta will be entirely different in terms of scale, content and focus, with an emphasis on the ecological transition and the social-cultural impact it will have on both human and non-human actors. Manifesta 15 Barcelona will expand beyond the centre of Barcelona and will reach out to the mountains, rivers and the sea which will serve as the key players of this edition.

Manifesta 15 Barcelona team has spent the past six months collaborating with the Creative Mediator Sergio Pardo to identify various locations, or “nodes” in the wider metropolitan region that will form the initial research venues and settings for the pre-biennial phase. The pre-biennial process will see Manifesta 15 deepen the interaction and existing connections between these different territories.

A commonality between these nodes is their presence as large natural systems and open spaces that Barcelona. Focusing on the ecological transition, the biennial will yet again be radically local in its approach and its sustainable impact.

Manifesta 15 Barcelona will be working across the following nodes:

The Collserola mountain range

Located a few kilometres north of Barcelona, the Collserola mountain range is considered to be one of the largest metropolitan parks in the world. Its grand stature can be seen from all over the city and is considered as the green lung of Barcelona.

This geographical node will link to the theme of Cure and Care.

El Prat – Llobregat Delta

The municipality of El Prat de Llobregat is perhaps most well-known for its airport, which serves as the gateway to Barcelona and the surrounding region. However, the deltaboasts a wealth of ecology, harbouring a variety of plants and animals, which live alongside the industry there.  

This geographical node will link to the theme of Balancing Conflicts.

El Besòs river

An important part of the wider region’s economy, the Besòs river starts in Catalonia and flows to the east of the Collserola mountain range and into the Mediterranean Sea. The river has been used for transportation and fishing and is a crucial source of water for the area.

This geographical node will link to the theme of Imagining the Future.

In the months to come, we will be making further announcements about the cultural practitioners and artistic collectives who will be operating within these nodes in collaboration with the local communities. The results of this participatory process will be showcased at Manifesta 15 Barcelona’s headquarters in the late summer of 2023 and will form the integral process of the vision for the biennial.