Opening Weekend from June 11–14 in Prague and Pardubice

Vienna, 9 June 2026 –  As the main partner of tranzit.org, ERSTE Foundation invites guests to the opening weekend of the Biennale Matter of Art, taking place from June 11 to 14, 2026, in Prague and Pardubice. The Biennale Matter of Art is one of the most important platforms for contemporary art in Central and Eastern Europe and will run from June 12 to September 13, 2026, under the title »Necessary Wishes«. At its core is an understanding of art as a necessary practice emerging from lived realities and responding to social, political, and economic conditions.

More than 49 artists and collectives from diverse international contexts will present their work, including six newly commissioned projects. The curatorial concept connects individual perspectives with collective questions, addressing themes such as solidarity, vulnerability, and social cohesion.

The opening weekend marks the official launch of the biennale and features a diverse program including previews, an opening ceremony, performances, guided tours, and additional formats across multiple venues in Prague and Pardubice. The biennale is organized by tranzit.cz in collaboration with the National Gallery Prague, GAMPA – the City Gallery of Pardubice, and the Petrohradská kolektiv. The project is jointly curated by Jaroslava Tomanová, Jakub Gawkowski, and František Fekete.

The press conference for the opening of the Biennale Matter of Art will take place on June 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the National Gallery Prague (Trade Fair Palace) and will be held in Czech and English; simultaneous interpretation will be available.

tranzit.org is a network of independent contemporary art organizations in Austria and across Central and Eastern Europe, initiated by ERSTE Foundation. As part of its commitment to art, social dialogue, and cultural exchange in Europe, ERSTE Foundation supports the Biennale Matter of Art as the main partner of tranzit.org.

ERSTE Foundation is a philanthropic foundation and focuses its activities on Financial Health as well as strengthening democratic values and principles. As core shareholder of Erste Group, it safeguards the independence of one of the biggest banking groups in Central, Eastern and Southern Europe.