This article was first published on swisscontact.org on August 2, 2022 

 Manifesta Biennial is a European roving contemporary art biennale, taking place in different city every other year. In 2019, the Supervisory Board of Manifesta selected Prishtina, the capital of Kosovo to host the 2022 biennale – Manifesta 14, making it the first city in the Western Balkans to host the nomadic event. Promoting Private Sector Employment (PPSE), a project implemented by Swisscontact and Riinvest Institute, supported the international media tour and the commissioning of wearable souvenirs by local artists.

The biennale spans across a period of 100 days in which the bustling city of Prishtina is transformed into a contemporary art and cultural hub.

The title and concept of this year’s biennale is “it matters what worlds world worlds. how to tell stories otherwise”. And indeed, the artistic interventions in 25 public spaces across Prishtina tell a different story – one that granted its citizens and artists the freedom to reclaim public spaces and regenerate abandoned structures, and relearn how to take care of it in the future. The biennale will leave permanent infrastructure spaces to be commonly used even after its closing date. Namely, the deteriorating Hivzi Sylejmani Library was renovated and now serves as the Center for Narrative Practices, a multifunctional venue dedicated to the artistic community. Additionally, the Green Corridor, a 1.3-kilometer former railway track, which used to be filled with abandoned cars and trash, has now been transformed into a pedestrian path with seating and plants. Both these interventions are a result of “participatory urbanism”, a mission conceptualized by CRA-Carlo Ratti Associati, creators of the Manifesta 14 Prishtina Urban Vision, which allowed citizens to participate in the repossession process of public space.

During the three preview days before its official opening on July 22^nd, the 25 sites around the city opened its doors to partners, media, gallerists and collectors to review the exhibitions, events and performances. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive regarding the quality of the works, creative power of the local artists, and the hospitality of the people. To memorialize the biennale, PPSE also financed the commissioning of the design and production of limited-edition mementos – scarves, coat and bag, featuring a tableau of Prishtina’s famous venues and views.

Swisscontact’s Promoting Private Sector Employment (PPSE) through its tourism component facilitated Manifesta 14’s press tour, designed to promote the 100 days of the biennale in major international media outlets. The Manifesta 14 programme will take place over 100 days, to be officially concluded on 30^th of October, 2022.