ON (BOARDS) IN (BOX) − M HKA Quarantine Edition Selection

2 Jul – 8 Aug 2021

22 art prints from The Quarantie Edition will be in MHKA INBOX from 2 July till 8 August 2021 

History

The ONBOARDS Biennale is the second chapter of the Billboard Project Antwerp. The first Billboard Project was initiated in 2007, showing 50 original artworks on the billboards in the Antwerp City centre. Subsequently, the Billboard Project evolved and presented every other year a broader approach towards the dialogue, exchange and understanding of art in public space. Crucial to its success has been the collaboration with diverse artists, galleries, the local and international experts in the art field, art schools and universities, and the ongoing support of various supporting partners.

ONBOARDS Biennale 2021

In 2021 Billboard Project Antwerp became the ONBOARDS Biennale.

The biennale presents art prints from national and international established and emerging artists, artists from Antwerp Art Galleries, and art students of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts and Sint Lucas Antwerp. The artworks are seen by a broad audience and reviewed by renowned gallerists, art advisors, curators and art publishers. As part of the exhibition, the ONBOARDS Biennale initiates lectures, audio tours, performances, indoor exhibits, and a public and professional art prize.

Mission

With the ONBOARDS Biennale, we aim to bring art closer to society, address the general public in their daily environment, and offer a possibility of participation for both artists, stakeholders of the art world and the audience. We believe that art is a communicative practice that contributes to the flourishing of all community members. 

A billboard as street furniture can facilitate art, disseminate ideas, and become a meeting point of dialogue, culture, and education within the public space.

By bringing art into shared public spaces, the ONBOARDS Biennale aims to create a possibility of social interaction, provoke public dialogue and offer new social and cultural experiences, promoting communication, reflection, self-awareness and humanity.

Together with established artists and key players of the art world, we aim to promote both students and upcoming artists from around the globe and provide multiple audiences, opening up a new arena to encounter various perceptions and ideas.

ABOUT THE QUARANTINE EDITION 2020 

During the first lockdown in May 2020, the Billboard Project (now ONBOARDS Biennale), in collaboration with district Antwerp, artist Spank Moons and 200 artists, presented 200 works of art on billboards in the streets of Antwerp.

Participating artists wholeheartedly contributed to society by sharing their thoughts and emotions about the current pandemic crisis. They responded promptly by showing up and activating the empty billboards in the empty streets.

The Quarantine Edition was a beautiful, meaningful and solidarity action that resulted in a genuine gesture of 7.000€ charity given to the organization for suicide prevention: Zelfmoord 1813.

Together with all participating artists, the public, galleries and partners, The Quarantine Edition left its mark and was present in this challenging historical moment.