For the first time, Kosovo hosts a biennial of European contemporary art

After Marseille two years ago, Manifesta chose the capital of Europe’s youngest state, Kosovo, to hold its 14th edition. This biennial of European contemporary art has taken up residence since the end of July in Pristina until October 30, with the participation of more than a hundred artists. This is the first time she has traveled to southeastern Europe.

Manifesta is a nomadic European contemporary art biennial that reflects on the links between art and public space. A golden opportunity for the Kosovars to reclaim this space because since the war in 1999, Pristina has suffered from very chaotic urban development. The capital has very few cultural places while its population has an average age of only 28 years. Thanks to the biennale, several abandoned places have been transformed, for example, into media libraries or art centres. “Unfortunately for 80% of the citizens of Pristina cultural outings are only possible in shopping centerslaments Dardan Hoti, Manifesta’s press officer. We therefore really hope that after this biennale, the authorities will realize that public places must be protected and transformed into cultural places at the service of the people of Pristina.”

This biennale also resonates particularly with the European aspirations of Kosovar youth who feel cramped in a country that is three times smaller than Belgium. The Kosovars are indeed the only ones in the region to need a visa to travel in the Schengen area. At 25, Anita hopes for change: “We know that the image of Kosovo is not very good abroad, especially among people who have never been here. However, the country and the people have changed a lot. Today, our aspirations are European, towards the European Union, and we are waiting for this liberalization of visas!” At the beginning of October again, and despite the recommendations of the European Commission, the Member States, and in particular France, still refused to abolish this visa requirement.