Lucia Pietroiusti and Filipa Ramos Named Convenors for Norway’s Bergen Assembly

Why It Matters

Their appointment signals a shift toward interdisciplinary, research‑driven art festivals, positioning Bergen as a hub for cultural innovation and attracting global creative talent.

Key Takeaways

• Pietroiusti and Ramos appointed convenors for 2028 Bergen Assembly
• Their “Shape of a Circle” project probes consciousness across disciplines
• Public research and city programming start with Prelude Sep 12
• Pietroiusti will curate Kosovo’s Sixth Autostrada Biennale in 2027
• Ramos, FHNW professor, released ‘The Artist as Ecologist’ (2025)

Pulse Analysis

The Bergen Assembly, launched in 2018 as a triennial alternative to traditional biennials, has become a laboratory for experimental cultural programming in Norway. By rotating every three years, the Assembly avoids the fatigue of annual events and allows curators to develop long‑term research agendas that intersect art, science, and civic life. This model has attracted a growing international audience, positioning Bergen as a forward‑looking cultural destination that leverages its maritime heritage and progressive municipal policies.

The selection of Lucia Pietroiusti and Filipa Ramos as convenors underscores the Assembly’s commitment to interdisciplinary inquiry. Their joint project, “The Shape of a Circle in the Mind of a Fish,” explores consciousness through collaborations that span neuroscience, philosophy, and visual art. Both curators bring complementary portfolios—Pietroiusti’s leadership of Kosovo’s Sixth Autostrada Biennale and the Serpentine Gallery’s General Ecology initiative, and Ramos’s academic role at FHNW Basel and curatorship of the Lofoten International Art Festival—providing a rich network of contacts and a track record of integrating ecological themes into artistic practice.

The practical impact on Bergen’s economy and cultural landscape is significant. The Prelude gathering on September 12, 2026, will fuse technology and ecstasy, setting a tone for public‑facing research that engages residents and tourists alike. Close cooperation with the city promises new public‑space installations, workshops, and data‑driven art experiences that can boost visitor spending and reinforce Bergen’s brand as an innovation hub. As the Assembly’s sixth edition unfolds, its interdisciplinary focus may inspire other municipalities to adopt similar research‑centric cultural frameworks, reshaping how art festivals contribute to urban development and global cultural dialogue.