Join the Manifesta 16 Ruhr Citizen Consultations

Every two years Manifesta, the European Nomadic Biennial, is organised in a different Host City or Region in Europe. It combines urbanism, architecture, social and political themes, contemporary art and culture with local realities and visions. From June 2026, Manifesta 16 Ruhr will be hosted in various cities across the Ruhr Area.

Within the format of Citizen Consultations, Manifesta 16 Ruhr invites local residents of the region to be part of the pre-biennial process by sharing their experiences, thoughts and ideas about the cultural life of their city and neighbourhood. The Consultation Workshops will focus on the question of the significance and perception of cultural and social offerings in former church buildings. The aim is to develop community-oriented approaches for the revitalisation of the abandoned buildings and their surroundings that meet today’s needs and wishes of the people who live and work in the Ruhr Area. The results of these workshops will serve as a basis for the development of the biennial programme.

What is the historical and social significance of the already transformed churches for the citizens? What role do abandoned churches play in the citizens’ lives today?

Who organises the cultural and/or social events in the former church buildings? Who feels invited or not invited and why? 

What other forms of well-functioning civic engagement exist in the city? What is lacking? Are there concrete ideas for a future utilisation of the abandoned buildings?

When & where?

04.07.25, 16.00-18.00,Essen, St. Gertrud Kirche
Rottstraße 36, 45127 Essen (Meeting point: Viehofer Platz entrance)

05.07.25, 12.00-14.00, Gelsenkirchen, St. Joseph Kirche
Königsberger Str. 77, 45881 Gelsenkirchen (Meeting point: Grilloplatz)

As a thank you for your support, all participants will receive a season ticket for all venues and the entire period of Manifesta 16 Ruhr.

Manifesta 16 Ruhr is expanding its Education & Mediation team and is looking for a dedicated Education Assistant.
Are you passionate about working closely with communities across the Ruhr Area?
Do you have experience in education and mediation within cultural institutions or organisations?

If so, we’d be excited to hear from you!

Click here to learn more about the Education Assistant role and how to apply.