Biennale 2009
About the Biennale
XIV Edition of the Biennale of Young Artists from Europe and the Mediterranean. 3rd - 12th September. Skopje, Macedonia.
The Biennale is promoted by the International Association for the Biennale of Young Artists from Europe and the Mediterranean (BJCEM) which was founded in July 2001 in Sarajevo, during the X edition of the Biennale. Its objective is to strengthen co-operation among regions, municipalities, institutions and cultural associations to promote intercultural dialogue, young people's creativity, international exchange and peaceful relations beyond the existing political and geographical borders of the Euro-Mediterranean area. It has been very much about art as a language of peace as well as a well known showcase for young artists work.
All of the young artists attending have the opportunity to take part in workshops, debates and to collaborate with other artists. The Biennale of young artists is considered the most important Mediterranean event focused on young creativity, and presents the works of artists from 18 to 30 years old across the visual arts, performing arts, film and video, fashion, architecture, literature and gastronomy.
Although the BJCEM was formed in 2001 the history of the Biennale started in 1985 in Barcelona, with an organisation called ARCI. Since 1985 there have been editions in Barcelona 1985, Thessaloniki 1986, Barcelona 1987, Bologna 1988, Marseille 1990, Valencia 1992, Lisbon 1994, Turin 1997, Rome 1999, Sarajevo 2001, Athens 2003, Naples 2005, Bari 2008 and Skopje 2009.
The BJCEM network consists of both members and partners. The UK is currently a partner through Arts Council England East Midlands and this is the second time we have taken part. Currently there are 75 members from 21 countries and 14 partner nations, all representative of their local and national artistic talent. 47 countries took part in the 2008 Biennale. There has been exponential growth in international engagement especially when you consider that the very first Biennale in 1985 only had 6 countries taking part. The event has traditionally had a Mediterranean focus although you will see from the list of countries attending that it reaches far beyond this.
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List of countries who attend the Biennale:
Albania, Algeria, Austria, Algeria,
Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria,
Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Egypt,
Finland, France, FYROM
Germany, Greece, Hungary
Israel, Ireland, Italy, Jordan, Kosovo,
Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Lithuania, Luxembourg,
Malta, Montenegro, Morocco,
Netherlands, Norway
Palestine, Poland, Portugal
Romania, Roma Nation, Russia
San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Syria
Tunisia, Turkey, United Kingdom.