Strasbourg Contemporary Art Biennale

Strasbourg Contemporary Art Biennale: Art in the Digital Age

Created on the initiative of the Impact associative gallery, the Strasbourg Contemporary Art Biennale has established itself from its very first edition as a major cultural event on the Alsatian and European art scene. Under the artistic direction of Yasmina Khouaidjia, vice-president of Impact and exhibition curator, the Biennale questions the profound transformations of our contemporary societies through the prism of art.

Touch Me: A Foundational First Edition

The first edition, titled "Touch Me - Being a Citizen in the Digital Age", was held from December 15, 2018, to March 3, 2019, at the Hôtel des Postes, a magnificent historic building on Rue Wencker in Strasbourg. The choice of this venue—a former post, telegraph, and telephone office—was not insignificant: it resonated perfectly with the theme of communication and digital technology. The exhibition presented 43 works by 18 international artists, attracting over 10,048 visitors.

European and Contemporary Ambition

The Biennale is distinguished by its ambition to create a dialogue between internationally renowned artists and a diverse audience. The works presented—installations, videos, sculptures, digital creations—invite the visitor to actively reflect on their condition as citizens in a hyperconnected world. The participatory and immersive dimension of the artistic proposals abolishes the traditional distance between the artwork and the viewer.

Heritage Sites Reimagined

One of the Biennale's strong commitments is to occupy Strasbourg's heritage sites, which are usually closed to the public or diverted from their primary function. This tension between architectural heritage and contemporary creation enriches the visitor's experience and breathes new life into the city's emblematic buildings. Each edition thus offers a rediscovery of Strasbourg through the eyes of contemporary artists.

A Springboard for the Regional Art Scene

Beyond its international programming, the Biennale acts as a catalyst for the local art scene. The Impact gallery, an associative structure rooted in Strasbourg's cultural fabric, works year-round to promote contemporary art and cultural mediation, making the Biennale the culmination of a long-term commitment.