The Luleå Biennal is an international biennial for contemporary art situated in Norrbotten, the northernmost region in Sweden. This landscape has formed a point of departure for the biennials thus far. The geographical position of Norrbotten, with its proximity to Finland and Russia, has historically made the area an active military zone. A loaded and strategic frontier from which a whole town, surrounded by five fortresses, emerged from the land to defend it against intruders. This area is also rich in water, iron ore, and wood.
Konstfrämjandet, The People’s Movements for Art Promotion, is head and initiator of the Luleå Biennial. Since 1947, the mission of Konstfrämjandet has been to support “art for all”, ensuring that cultural activity is equally distributed across the country. Local commitment and participation has been the foundation of the organisation, but the methods and discussions have changed over time. During the last couple of years, the focus has, above all, been on the redistribution of resources and knowledge to further the accessibility of art. Konstfrämjandet works with grassroots- and nonprofit organisations as well as established art institutions to encourage a more democratic and inclusive art scene. Konstfrämjandet is a politically independent organisation divided into districts all over the country, which each consist of different groups of members. The districts look different, but are united in their strong interest in society and the arts. The members are different people’s movement groups, like unions, educational- and other associations.
Previous editions of Luleå Biennial:
2020, Time on Earth, curated by Karin Bähler Lavér, Emily Fahlén and Asrin Haidari.
2018, Tidal Ground, curated by Emily Fahlén, Asrin Haidari and Thomas Hämén.