1st Edition Rehearsing the unexpected
Avilés, Asturias 12.06 → 20.09
Approach to the territory
An approach to the territory is proposed through artistic methodologies and cultural mediation, bringing together diverse voices to spot the issues that matter. The biennial thus works as a medium that amplifies what is already there, and generates new connections globally.
A critical cartography of Avilés, many voices, Elisa Cuesta
Integrates interviews with local agents, socio-economic, environmental and cultural data, and allows the detection of connection points between local challenges and global dynamics, especially in relation to environmental emergency and social climate.
A process of cultural mediation with local rural organizations to build 'Collectively', Zoe López
"En Colectivo" is the line of work that accompanies organizations that are already testing sustainable ways of life and their communities, with the purpose of strengthening them and weaving networks between them.
Exhibition programme
The programme brings together over forty artists and collectives. Many of the works have been acquired or produced specifically for this edition. Some pieces are part of the National Art and Climate Collection of the Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge, a growing collection that will accompany future editions of the biennial. Other are the result of artistic residencies carried out at the National Meteorology Agency, the City of Energy Foundation and the Cultural Factory of Avilés. The biennial also features projects in progress that will continue to evolve after this edition, as well as interventions in public facilities —such as libraries— through participatory architecture projects.
This exhibition programme is structured on three main axes:
Enar de Dios Rodríguez, Above all [film still]. 2025
Works that propose new ways of observing and communicating atmospherics in a context of climate change.
Andrea Molina, Sin título. Imagen procesual de la Residencia en CIUDEN. 2026
A glance at industrial legacy and possible industry futures.
Sara Garcia, Molding Mourning Mouths [video still]. 2025
An exploration of that which sustains us physically and spiritually in transformation processes: what is lost, what hurts, and also what is celebrated and imagined collectively.
Public programme
The public programme of the Climate Biennial opens spaces for debate inspired by the works and their locations. An invitation to listen and share views from the perspective of art, in an open and participatory environment.
Conversations that are originated from art
The venues and works of the biennial host a series of meetings open for public debate. Designed in collaboration with organizations from diverse fields, and with the artists themselves, these debates take art practices in the exhibition programme as a starting point.
New formats for conversation
The Biennial wants to experiment with formats that overcome the rigidity of conversations that take place in conventional formal spaces, to encourage the participation of people not usually represented, and to create a layout that fosters listening and reconciliation between those with different ideas or perspectives. There will be conversations while walking, outdoor debates in public spaces and participatory theatre proposals, among other formats.
A space for understanding
The public programme seeks to build a civic space where debate without polarization is possible. It invites us to live together in disagreement with respect, to recognise differences and to find common ground in a time full of changes and uncertainties.
