East Frisia Biennale: Experience art and culture in the heart of the north!

East Frisia Biennale: Experience art and culture in the heart of the north!

There is a lot of activity in the pedestrian zone from the north. Many people, some wearing windbreakers, have gathered in front of the popular Café Remmers. What drew them here? A performance as part of the East Frisia Biennale, which is taking place for the second time this summer. After the first edition was delayed three years ago due to organizational reasons, the contemporary art festival is now in full swing, connecting cultural institutions from Wilhelmshaven to Uithuizen in the Netherlands. As the taz reports, students from the Hamburg University of Fine Arts also contributed to this colorful event in yellow raincoats.

The aim of the Biennale is to put both established and emerging East Frisian artists in the spotlight. Sculptures by internationally renowned artists such as Olaf Breuning, Stefan Marx and Shannon Finnegan are exhibited in the Lütetsburg moated castle. These works of art offer an exciting contrast to the natural beauty of the surrounding castle park and invite visitors to linger. The Biennale is curated by Ina Grätz, Silke Oldenburg and Willem J. Müller, who will also take over the management of the Kunsthalle Emden from autumn.

A look at the exhibitions

The second edition of the East Frisia Biennale, which began on June 6th, 2025 and runs until September 7th, 2025, is a true festival for art lovers. Over 50 artists are involved in more than 20 exhibition locations in East Frisia and the neighboring Dutch Ems-Dollart region. The art forms on display are extremely diverse – from installations and sculptures to photographs and performances. A special highlight of this biennale is the exhibition “Pictures of a Landscape – Art from East Frisia and the Province of Groningen”, which was selected by an independent jury of experts.

The Ludgeri Church in the north houses the works of 19 artists, selected as part of an OPEN CALL. The jury, made up of experts such as Susanne Augat from the Kunsthaus Leer and Dr. Annette Kanzenbach from the East Frisian State Museum Emden has put together a colorful portfolio. Here, classic panel paintings meet experimental art forms, such as a floating stone sculpture, and invite visitors to marvel.

Sociability and community

Despite the changeable weather, which is not unusual for East Frisia, many people came to the opening in the pavilion at Ellernfeld in Aurich despite the rain. The works presented are intended to promote dialogue between art and the audience and are perceived by those present as building community. This type of art festival not only enriches the region, it also ensures a lively exchange between creative people and the audience.

The East Frisia Biennale is one of the series of events that strengthen art and culture in the region. The Ostfriesland Biennale association was only founded in 2021, so it is all the more pleasing that the insights into the local creative scene now also offer international artists a stage. Thanks to the support of organizations like the Zeit Foundation, it is increasingly possible to make contemporary art tangible.

A visit is worth it for anyone who wants to experience the Biennale up close. The opening hours in the Ludgerikirche are Monday from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Sundays the doors are open after church services until 1 p.m. Information and more about the events can be found on the Biennale website and at East Frisia Biennale. A successful place to enjoy art and be part of a lively cultural exchange.

In summary, the East Frisian Biennale is more than just an exhibition - it is an experience that pushes the boundaries of culture, art and community and offers a charming insight into the East Frisian art scene.