Manifesta 16 Ruhr holds first Urban Vision Workshop

On February 5^th, 2025, Manifesta 16 Ruhr held its first Urban Vision Workshop, marking a significant milestone on the path towards the 2026 edition in the Ruhr Area. The workshop, led by First Creative Mediator Josep Bohigas and Manifesta Director Hedwig Fijen, brought together a diverse group of participants from cultural institutions, social and urban initiatives, as well as religious communities. The session offered an opportunity to reflect on the role Manifesta can play in the region’s complex social, cultural, and urban landscape.

The Urban Vision is a key part of the pre-biennial research process, which aims to examine the current and historical urban fabric of the Ruhr region. Drawing on Josep Bohigas’ previous work on urban change, particularly his efforts to promote social cohesion and innovative urban solutions in Barcelona, the workshop focused on how to create new connections within neighbourhoods in constant transformation.