The biennial OpenArt transforms Örebro’s city centre with thought-provoking contemporary art. The 10th edition will take place between 13 June and 6 September next year, 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 one of Scandinavia’s largest outdoor biennial for contemporary art – an event in the urban space, which presents art in unconventional ways.

Ai Weiwei, Think different (How to hang workers’ uniforms). OpenArt 2015. Photo: OpenArt. | OpenArt: The outdoor biennial without an entrance ticket

Ai Weiwei, Think different (How to hang workers’ uniforms). OpenArt 2015. Photo: OpenArt.

The biennial presents works that invite participation – art that is not just viewed, but experienced together. “We want to inspire people to imagine a different future: possible, unexpected, perhaps even radical,” says Johan Jedebert, exhibition producer.

“The role of contemporary art is not only to reflect and criticise our time, but also to open doors to new perspectives,” the producer continues. “Art can be a trigger for change. We welcome art that challenges, surprises and engages – works that not only show what is, but what could be.”

Hanna Stansvik, typsikt tjejer. OpenArt 2024. | OpenArt: The outdoor biennial without an entrance ticket

Hanna Stansvik, typsikt tjejer. OpenArt 2024.

10th anniversary edition

During 12 weeks next summer, spanning from 13 June to 6 September, OpenArt will once again transform Örebro’s city centre with thought-provoking sculptures, displays 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.”

As part of MagiC Carpets, an EU initiative that provides opportunities for emerging talent, four artists in residence will contribute to OpenArt 2026: Swedish artists Doris Apelqvist and Johan Ibrahim Adam, Kurdish-Syrian artist Bahzad Sulaiman, who is based in Germany, and Italian artist Gina Disobey, who lives in Austria. More will be confirmed in due course.

Marie Munk, Placenta. OpenArt 2024. | OpenArt: The outdoor biennial without an entrance ticket

Marie Munk, Placenta. OpenArt 2024.

Web: openart.se
Facebook: openartsweden
Instagram: @openartsweden

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

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