The Ruhr region of Germany had a turbulent 20th century. It was occupied by French and Belgian troops from 1923–25 and was then pulverised in the 1940s by Allied bombs. After recovering to become the industrial heartland of West Germany, it has since forged a reputation as a site of resilience and renewal, which makes it apt choice for the 16th edition of the roving contemporary art biennial Manifesta (21 June–4 October). This edition celebrates the power of art and culture to inspire civic activity and give social spaces new purpose; some 100 artists from 30 countries are taking part and their works – more than half of which have been created specially for the event – are installed in 12 decommissioned post-war churches dotted across Duisburg, Essen, Gelsenkirchen and Bochum. Exhibiting artists include Luc Tuymans, Katharina Fritsch and Zuza Golińska.
Find out more from Manifesta’s website.
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