Catherine Nichols has been appointed as the new artistic director of Manifesta, the European Nomadic Biennial. She will take over the role alongside Emilia van Lynden, who has been named general director, as the organization prepares for its 2028 edition in Coimbra, Portugal. The transition follows the departure of Hedwig Fijen, founder of the European Biennial, who will step down in October 2026 after leading the institution for over thirty years.
This leadership change marks a significant generational shift for Manifesta, one of Europe's most prominent roaming biennials. With a new artistic and general director duo at the helm, the organization signals a renewed strategic direction. The appointment also underscores the ongoing evolution of Manifesta's model, which adapts to different host cities and contexts, and the selection of Coimbra for 2028 highlights the biennial's continued focus on engaging with smaller, historically rich European cities.