GIBCA Extended is a network and public programme that has developed around the biennial since 2013. The network brings together the local and regional contemporary art scene in Västra Götaland. Its participants – individual artists, artist groups, galleries and art centres – organise their own programmes and exhibitions during the GIBCA period, offering deeper explorations of and new perspectives on the biennial’s themes.

GIBCA stands for Göteborg International Biennial for Contemporary Art. Founded in 2001, the biennial has been produced by Röda Sten Konsthall since 2006. For each edition, a curator is appointed to establish a thematic framework for GIBCA and invite Swedish and international artists to participate. GIBCA takes place every other autumn, with exhibitions at venues across the region.

All contemporary art practitioners active in Västra Götaland are welcome to join the network and take part in its activities. Network meetings are open to artists, independent exhibition organisers, and representatives of municipal and regional authorities – in short, anyone working in contemporary art who is interested in collaboration and exchange.

You do not have to intend or be able to organise a programme during a specific edition of GIBCA to be part of the network. You are welcome to participate in the network and its activities regardless.

To be included in the GIBCA Extended public programme, exhibitions and events must:

• Take place during the GIBCA period, whether for one evening, one day or several days.
• Take place in Västra Götaland.
• Engage with the themes of GIBCA.

The GIBCA Extended programme encompasses all forms of contemporary art and may include exhibitions, discussions, lectures, workshops, performances, theatre and dance, poetry readings, concerts and more.

Each participating organiser is responsible for organising and funding their own exhibitions and events. Röda Sten Konsthall coordinates the network’s joint promotion, but each participant is also responsible for promoting their own programme.

Clusters

A central aim of GIBCA Extended is to find ways to share resources, audiences and networks. In recent years, the network has been organised into geographical clusters. Clusters can arrange joint openings and events at nearby venues, organise bus tours or develop other forms of collaboration among their members.

Clusters facilitate communication within the network and make it possible to coordinate programmes. As a network member, you can get help connecting with an existing cluster or receive support in establishing a new one together with other nearby venues and organisers.

Working group

To support long-term and sustainable collaboration, GIBCA Extended has had a working group since 2020. It includes representatives from all existing clusters as well as potential new clusters.

The working group meets three to four times a year. Its main purpose is to coordinate the network’s activities and provide a platform for discussing shared issues. Each representative also acts as an ambassador, sharing information about the opportunity to join GIBCA Extended with potential participants in their geographical area.

Clusters in Västra Götaland:

• Fyrbodal (Konsthallen Trollhättan)
• Härryda (Mölnlycke kulturhus)
• Northern Bohuslän (Gerlesborgsskolan)
• Sjuhärad (Boy konsthall)
• Skaraborg (Lidköpings Konsthall)
• Southern Bohuslän (Stationen i Svenshögen)

In Gothenburg:

• Linné (Galleri Box & Konstepidemin)
• Ringön

Interested in becoming part of the network?

Feel free to contact Anna Brumark, coordinator of GIBCA Extended, at extended@gibca.se.