On the occasion of the 31st Bienal de São Paulo (September 2 - December 7, 2014), Fundação Bienal de São Paulo, ICCo - Instituto de Cultura Contemporânea, Ministério da Cultura do Brazil and the Biennial Foundation are organizing the World Biennial Forum No 2., a gathering of biennial practitioners and appreciators to discuss the foremost topics within international contemporary arts.

The 5-day forum, from November 26 to 30, will be composed of thematic debates open to the public, internal workshops for biennial organizers on practical aspects of biennial work, as well as optional guided tours of exhibition venues in and out of São Paulo.

Created by initiative of the Biennial Foundation, an independent NPO to facilitate a diversity of platforms for the exchange among biennials worldwide, the forum was first hosted by the Gwangju Biennale in South Korea (WBF No 1, 2012). This year it will be an integral part of the public program of the 31st Bienal de São Paulo, curated by Charles Esche, Galit Eilat, Nuria Enguita Mayo, Pablo Lafuente, and Oren Sagiv, who will also act as the Forum’s artistic directors.

Luis Terepins, President of the Fundação Bienal de São Paulo, stated: “I believe that the Bienal de São Paulo should be a stage for a discussion on exhibition formats and, more generally, about the role of art in society today. The Bienal de São Paulo’s role is to continuously search for new configurations, reflections and propositions.”

Founding Director of Biennial Foundation, Marieke van Hal, is honored to have found new partners for the World Biennial Forum in Brazil. “The Bienal de São Paulo stands out internationally because of the way it expands access to the world of art for a diversified public, by enabling people from a wide range of ages, social classes and cultural levels to take part in its activities. I’ve always been impressed by the Bienal de São Paulo and its emphasis on serving the whole community. It will be interesting to see in what way it can work as an example and inspiration for other biennials internationally.”

An introductory preview launch of the World Biennial Forum No 2 is scheduled to take place in Berlin, Germany, at Ifa’s Gallery on July 12, 2014.

World Biennial Forum No 2.
São Paulo, Brazil
November 26 - 30, 2014
Venue: Auditório Ibirapuera
http://www.worldbiennialforum.org

Registrations have ended. Listeners are welcome by attending the event on time and according to the auditorium capacity.

Organized by:
Biennial Foundation
Fundação Bienal de São Paulo
ICCo - Instituto de Cultura Contemporânea
Ministério da Cultura

Directed by:
Charles Esche, Galit Eilat, Nuria Enguita Mayo, Pablo Lafuente, and Oren Sagiv