AMSTERDAM SCULPTURE BIENNALE: ARTZUID 2025
The ninth edition of the Amsterdam Sculpture Biennale, ARTZUID 2025, will take place from May 21 to September 21, 2025, transforming the green space of Amsterdam-South into an outdoor museum. The exhibition is curated by art historian Ralph Keuning, who brings together more than 60 international and Dutch artists to explore the theme of "Enlightenment", a celebration of Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary and its legacy of freedom, tolerance, and innovation.
Keuning describes Amsterdam as a city of openness, shaped by centuries of trade, migration, and ideas. The Enlightenment theme reflects on this liberal spirit, rooted in 18th-century progress and reason, while acknowledging the city's colonial past. Keuning aims to use this edition of ARTZUID to inspire reflection and find beauty amid tension and change we experience daily.
“The title Enlightenment references the belief in progress that characterised the 18th century. A century of reason in which science and art flourished, and the foundation for our democracy was laid. Simultaneously, the city has a dark history of colonialism. This paradox of progress and flourishing on the one hand and exclusion and persecution on the other is just as topical now as it was then, and is part of the discourse in the city, in art and thus, on the green lanes of ARTZUID 2025. At the other end of the spectrum, Enlightenment can also be understood literally as easing our worries, relaxing, dreaming away, fantasising and finding beauty. We also want to bring that about with this edition of ARTZUID." Said the curator, Ralph Keuning.
Participating artists include renowned figures such as Neo Rauch, Alicja Kwade, Leiko Ikemura, Jaume Plensa, Shinichi Tajiri, and Rachel Harrison. Their works delve into themes of memory, identity, resistance, and human connection. Visitors will encounter sculptures that span a wide range of formats, materials, and messages, transforming this well-known public space into a thought-provoking and accessible art experience.
Furthermore, ARTZUID director Cintha van Heeswijk emphasizes the importance of introducing children to art and encourages openness to new ideas. According to her: "It is incredibly important to introduce children to art at an early age. They learn to think out of the box. Nothing is crazy, everything is possible. With art we try to broaden their horizons and be open to the new and different."
Under her leadership, the foundation supports community engagement through educational programs, guided tours, workshops, and digital learning tools. The exhibition is free to the public and supported by donations, cultural funds, and municipal contributions.
Dear reader, if the exhibition captured your interest (which would not be unexpected), you can visit the ARTZUID Information Pavilion, Minervalaan 1 at Amsterdam.
