"Periferic", the International Biennale for Contemporary Art in Iaşi/Eastern Romania, will be staged for the seventh time by the Vector Association in May 2006. This year it has adopted the theme of "Focusing Iaşi".

"Periferic 7" is being held from May 12 to 30, 2006 and is defined as a forum for discussions on the historical, sociopolitical and cultural context of Iaşi - a town that will form the eastern-most outpost of the EU following the accession of Romania to the EU in 2007. "Periferic 7" comprises the three autonomous sections "Social Processes", "Strategies of Learning" and "Why Children?".

"Social Processes", a joint venture between the Vector Association and the Siemens Arts Program, addresses the structures and conditions of the town of Iaşi in relation to its history and its significance within Europe. In the present era of post-Communism, Iaşi is experiencing a transformation process which is intended to lead to a political and cultural repositioning of the city within Europe.

International artists were invited for "Social Processes", in order to interpret the social, cultural and sociopolitical facets of Iaşi on the ground. A series of public conferences, presentations and workshops has been held since October 2005 with the aim of involving the population and art fans in Iaşi and stimulating interest in issues and contemporary art debate in advance of the Biennale. The results of this series will be channeled into the exhibition.

Project timeframe: May 12 - 30, 2006

Project venue: Iaşi, Romania

Project partner: Periferic 7. Curators: Marius Babias, Dr. Angelika Nollert