The organizers of the Manifesta Biennial have announced the theme and curatorial concept for its 11th edition.

The 2016 edition of the Biennial—which has taken place in different locations since it was founded by Hedwig Fijen in 1993—will be held in Zurich, Switzerland, opening on June 11.

For the first time in the history of Manifesta, an artist, Christian Jankowski, has been handed the curatorial reins.

Christian Jankowski is the first artist to be named curator of Manifesta.
Photo: sfmoma.org

Bringing together artists under the title of “What People Do For Money: Some Joint Ventures,” Jankowski has conceived a program which pairs artists with Zurich-based workers from a variety of professions, ranging from police officers and meteorologists to dentists.

A model of the Pavillon of Reflections which will be constructed on a floating platform on Lake Zurich.
Photo: Manifesta 11

The theme aims to explore the significance of one’s profession in defining one’s identity in contemporary culture through 35 productions, which will be shown at various locations across the city for the duration of the Biennial.

The resulting works are closely linked to Jankowski’s own artistic practice, which emphasizes collaboration, interactive participation, and contemporary mass-media formats.

Founding Director Hedwig Fijen has put together an exciting program.
Photo: Manifesta 11

For example, the American artist and designer John Arnold is preparing a collaboration with Michelin star chef Fabian Spiquel, from the Zurich-based Maison Manesse. The project intends to connect the everyday, working man to the European political elite through the simple act of sharing a meal.

Arnold’s project will reinterpret dishes served at state banquets and serve them at the city’s “Imbisse” (take-aways and snacks bars) so that they can be consumed by members of the public. Arnold will call the stalls “Imbissies,” a wordplay combining the German term “Imbiss” with the English word “Embassies.”

Meanwhile, the main exhibition space will be located in the “Pavillon of Reflections,” which will be constructed on a spectacular floating platform on Lake Zurich.