The sixth Jerusalem Biennale is finally set to return to the Israeli capital five months after the war in Gaza delayed the event’s opening, forcing the organizers to take the art platform on a world tour.
The bi-annual event provides professional contemporary Israeli and international Jewish artists and curators with a pronounced platform to showcase artworks that relate Jewish thought, spirit, experience and tradition, with the goal of opening a fresh conversation on Judaism.
Having undergone a theme change since its postponement, the current iteration of the sixth Jerusalem Biennale gives broader recognition to female artists and includes more works created post-October 7.
“The October 7 attack disrupted the celebration of a decade of activities in the contemporary art arena, promoting Jerusalem as an international hub for artists from all around the world,” said Jerusalem Biennale founder and creative director Rami Ozeri.
Since being postponed in November 2023, works from the biennale have been exhibited in Europe, as well as North and South America, in a display of solidarity with the people of Israel.
“Our partners around the world have created a moving series of solidarity shows outside
Jerusalem. Now it’s time to get back to the city. We are absolutely committed to keeping Jerusalem on the international map of contemporary art,” Ozeri said.
Ozeri added that times of security tensions in Israel often reflect negatively on Israeli artists, and this war is no exception.
“The challenge of establishing and maintaining channels of collaboration in the international art world is greater than ever, and more important than ever,” he noted.
The Spring Biennale will take place across more than 20 venues around Jerusalem, including: The old Shaarei Tzedek Hospital building [which houses the Jerusalem Biennale],
Heichal Shlomo Museum, the Bible Lands Museum, The U. Nahon Museum of Italian Jewish Art, Museum On The Seam, Van Leer Jerusalem Institute, The Jerusalem Theater, The Jerusalem Botanical Gardens, HaMiffal, Beita Gallery, and the Black Box Street Gallery.
For full list of exhibitions, installations, and events, click here
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