BİENAL LEFKOŞA
PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVE
Bienal Lefkosa invites us to reconsider the concepts of “compassion and empathy” in
light of today’s social, environmental, and cultural dynamics, placing the transformative
power of art at its center. Our aim is to bring together creative perspectives from
different geographies while building a bridge between local and international artists.
This Biennial is not merely an art event, but also a platform that contributes to the
cultural, economic, and social fabric of Nicosia. While opening new spaces of
expression for emerging artists and increasing their visibility, we will also highlight the
educational aspect of art. Through workshops, panels, and interactive events, we aim to
promote awareness of art as a tool for reflecting on and engaging with social issues.
Emphasizing Nicosia’s multicultural identity, the Biennial seeks to bring the city’s artistic
production to international platforms while also acting as a revitalizing force for local
businesses, the tourism sector, and cultural heritage. Held every two years, this event
aspires to become a cornerstone that strengthens Nicosia’s cultural identity and
transforms the city into one of the region’s key art centers.
We aim to make the Biennial a collective experience through collaborations with local
governments, art institutions, civil society organizations, and independent artists.
Bienal Lefkoşa is envisioned as a movement that brings individuals and communities
together through art, establishes a strong bond with the city, and leaves a lasting legacy
for the future.
BİENAL LEFKOŞA
THEME: “COMPASSION”
One of the fundamental issues that Susan Sontag addresses in “Regarding the Pain of Others”
concerns “compassion” as an action-oriented force. But the concept seems to have lost its
essence and been devoid of such meaning during the recent years. And yet, here are two simple
but vital facts: The world population will exceed 9 billion by 2037. Human needs are limitless,
but natural resources are not.
This imbalance has pushed us to the brink of an unprecedented crisis, causing immense suffering
where effective and lasting solutions remain elusive. At this point, it is important to ask: what
has happened to the compassion and hence empathy that are the foundation of human culture and
all living beings? Because it seems we need such action-oriented compassion as underlined by
Sontag more than ever!
We attempt to encourage ourselves to question and reflect on its role in both our emotional and
conceptual worlds.
