On January 9, 2011, Manifesta 8 - the European Biennial of Contemporary Art, came to a close after 100 days in the host cities of Murcia and Cartagena in southeast Spain. Manifesta 8 took place in 14 venues, five of which were historical buildings specially furbished for Manifesta, plus four media spaces. The positive results achieved by Manifesta 8 in the Region of Murcia have been attested by 110,000 visitors, who have been welcomed at the 14 venues during the exhibition period.

IN DIALOGUE WITH NORTHERN AFRICA
For the first time, the Biennial integrated a sub-theme in its title - a dialogue with northern Africa as a direct consequence of geopolitical issues in the region where it took place. In different interdisciplinary projects, this theme was sometimes explicit, sometimes inferred and sometimes highlighted in historical films, photographs and aligned works by artists from Africa, with particular emphasis on the history of Arabic culture rooted in the Region of Murcia.

INCUBATOR FOR A PAN-AFRICAN ROAMING BIENNIAL
In respect to the interrelation with northern Africa, another focal point is the ongoing project - Incubator for a Pan-African Roaming Biennial. The Incubator is a year-long, nomadic project formed in response to a proposal by two Manifesta 8 curators, Bassam El Baroni and Jeremy Beaudry of Alexandria Contemporary Arts Forum. It consists of a symposium held during the opening weekend of Manifesta 8, a website (www.panafricannial.org), a workshop due to take place in an African city in April 2011, and a publication to be released in September 2011.

PARALLEL EVENTS
Manifesta 8 incorporated a large number of Parallel Events spread throughout the region of Murcia, as well as television and radio programs, publications, Internet sites and multi-media projects. Over a two-year period, Manifesta's aim to introduce new educational tools and establish new educational practices in its host region has been developed and implemented, culminating in an extensive education program during the 100 days of exhibition.

MANIFESTA 8 CATALOGUE
The 380-page Manifesta 8 catalogue in English and Spanish offers an insight into the different curatorial approaches which helped to form Manifesta 8. It provides points for further discussion on the current discourse on contemporary art practice. It is available for purchase at www.silvanaeditoriale.it

MANIFESTA 9
Manifesta 9 takes place in 2012 in the region of Limburg, Belgium.

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