From the 3^rd to the 11^th December 2011, 600 artists coming from over 70 countries will surprise everyone at the Fortezza da Basso for the 8th edition of the International Florence Biennale of Contemporary Arts, a not-to-miss event for all those who love contemporariness. On show, thousands of works representing all kinds of artistic expressions – from paintings to sculptures, from digital art to installations.

 The same artists will present them, following a habit of the Florence Biennale, which tends to privilege the direct relationship between the artists, their creations and the audience. For the first time, the exhibition will also involve the city with a series of events dedicated to the world of young people and to creative workshops. For example, the SIT-IN Florence project will involve around ten schools, the Florence and Carrara Academies of Arts, along with the University of Florence. And everyone is waiting to see the 500 chairs donated by Ikea, which will be designed by 500 boys and girls in a contemporary key, and which, starting from the Fortezza, will “invade” various urban areas as well as the most emblematic locations of the city. This year, the “Lorenzo il Magnifico” Lifetime Achievement Award (previously awarded to important artists such as Marina Abramovic, Christo and Jeanne-Claude, Gilbert& George), will be given to Mexican artist José Luis Cuevas and to Agatha Ruiz de La Prada, one of the most famous designers. And speaking of Ruiz de la Prada, make sure you do not miss the special exhibition of 40 selected gowns at the Fortezza to celebrate her 30 year long career. 

INFO: ARTE STUDIO (Tel. +39 055 3249173; www.florencebiennale.org; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )