Zig Zag - Art Biennale of Jura

Zig Zag: A Traveling Biennale in the Heart of Jura Workshops

The Jura Art Biennale Zig Zag is a major cultural event in the department, organized every two years by the association of Ateliers des Artistes Associés (AAA). Since its creation, this biennale has offered an original format: rather than concentrating works in a single exhibition space, it invites the public to travel through Jura to discover artists in their own studios.

45 Open Studios Across the Territory

For three weekends in October, 45 artist studios open their doors simultaneously. Divided into two geographical zones — Jura-Nord and Jura-Sud — these studios cover the entire department, from the plains of the Bresse to the mountains of the Haut-Jura. Each artist hosts an invited artist, creating a dialogue between two creative universes and allowing the public to discover over 100 different artistic approaches.

A Diversity of Artistic Disciplines

The Zig Zag biennale embraces a wide variety of artistic practices:

• Painting and Drawing: from figuration to abstraction
• Sculpture: wood, stone, metal, clay
• Ceramics and Pottery: functional pieces and sculptures
• Photography: analog and digital
• Engraving and Printmaking: traditional and contemporary techniques
• Textile and Tapestry: woven and embroidered creations
• Installation and Contemporary Art: in-situ and experimental works

A Journey of Discovery in Jura

Beyond the artistic dimension, Zig Zag is an invitation to discover the Jura territory. The route between the studios passes through varied landscapes — vineyards, valleys, lakes, forests, and mountains — and allows for encounters with the architectural and natural heritage of the department. Maps and itineraries are provided to help organize visits over each of the three weekends.

A Friendly and Free Event

Access to all studios is free. Artists personally welcome visitors from 10 am to 7 pm every Saturday and Sunday, for authentic exchanges about their work, inspirations, and techniques. The Zig Zag biennale is a moment of sharing between artists and the public, in a spirit of friendliness and curiosity.

The 3rd Edition and the Biennale's Influence

The 3rd edition of Zig Zag, held in October 2024, confirmed the success of the format with 45 participating studios and thousands of visitors. The event has established itself as a must-attend fixture in the Jura cultural landscape, supported by the Department of Jura, the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté Region, and the inter-municipal communities of the territory.