Manifesta 16 Youth Shift. The Youth Council of Manifesta.

What’s it about?

The world is changing – political tensions, division, polarisation. Manifesta 16 Ruhr aims to create spaces where people can meet as equals and co-shape the future. With the project Youth Shift, your input is needed: we want to hear what moves you, what you want to change, and what role art and culture can play in it.

Who can take part?

Are you between 15 and 20 years old, interested in art, culture and society – and motivated to truly make a difference? Then this is for you! With Youth Shift, we are starting a youth council with up to 12 young people from the partner cities of Manifesta 16 Ruhr: Bochum, Duisburg, Essen and Gelsenkirchen. Together you will get a look behind the scenes of an international biennial, meet the team, discuss, co-create – and actively bring your perspectives into the programme. You are not just “there” – you are right in the middle!

How will it work?

From October 2025 to June 2026, you are invited to develop structures yourselves and contribute your own ideas. Whether it’s about the vision and final name of your project, or the design of your meetings – everything is open to your input. And in the end? You will jointly develop your own contribution to the official parallel programme of Manifesta 16 Ruhr. Of course, you will be professionally accompanied – but you set the direction.

Why?

Because your voices matter. Young people should not only listen when culture and society are being discussed – they should help decide. With Youth Shift, we are creating a space where young ideas are taken seriously and where their ideas can be put into practice. It’s about participation, solidarity and shaping the cultural world of tomorrow together – open, diverse and inclusive.

The project is being developed in close collaboration with the Regionalverband Ruhr – and can become a model for how young people can be permanently involved in major cultural projects.

Join us!

The registration deadline is 12th of October and the first meeting will take place at the end of October.

Want to take part or need more info?

Just contact:
kimlempelius@manifesta.org