OpenArt: The outdoor biennial without an entrance ticket

By Malin Norman

The biennial OpenArt transforms Örebro’s city centre with thought-provoking contemporary art. The 10th edition takes place between 13 June and 6 September, with a focus on collective processes, democratic expressions and sustainability.

Initiated in 2008, OpenArt is a platform where urban space meets art and its visitors in a lively conversation. What began as an art exhibition in Örebro Konsthall has developed into Scandinavia’s largest outdoor biennial for contemporary art – an event in the urban space, which presents art in unconventional ways.

“OpenArt 2026 explores a time filled with questions, uncertainty and change,” says Johan Jedebert, exhibition producer. “Here, art becomes a place to begin searching for new ways of thinking about how we care for ourselves, each other, and our shared future.”

The artworks are created through collaboration and invite participation, offering moments that can surprise, puzzle, and playfully defy expectations. “OpenArt 2026 reminds us that participation is the foundation of democracy, through open processes, shared knowledge, and cooperation,” elaborates Jedebert. “The exhibition doesn’t hold all the answers; instead, it’s an ongoing conversation where your perspective and your questions belong.”

Tova Lilja and Emil Faisal Hasselberg, Trädet. Photo: Sofie Isaksson

10th anniversary edition

Over 12 weeks this summer, OpenArt once again transforms Örebro’s city centre with thought-provoking sculptures, installations and performances, as well as workshops and guided tours. “Art is everywhere and everyone talks about art during the biennial,” smiles Jedebert. “For our 10th anniversary edition, we’re hoping to offer something unexpected, for art lovers but also for those who don’t usually visit art galleries and exhibitions.”

The artist selection has been developed collaboratively by OpenArt’s exhibition producers and the Art Unit. To broaden the perspective, different jury groups were invited to take part in the selection process. These jury groups were the Children’s Jury, made up of children aged nine to 11 from a local school in Örebro, and the People’s Jury, comprising 11 Örebro residents of different ages.

Performance Jag är extrem with artist duo LILITH. Photo: Terese Sundh

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The 10th edition of OpenArt takes place in Örebro between 13 June and 6 September 2026.

Read the feature on issuu