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Uppsala, Sweden is the home of Ekeby Qvarn (Ekeby Mill) and is situated on the beautiful Fyris River. Part of this river with its curves and bends had become the center of EVENTA. This area is located in rich historical surroundings. In the context of these historical places EVENTA works to combine ancient culture, nature and Contemporary Art.

EVENTA started in 1994 through non-profit efforts. EVENTA has hosted themes centring on man, nature, technology and nowdays culture. Themes, which have been used, are: EVENTA 1 “Water”. EVENTA 2 “Wind”. EVENTA 3 “Mankind”.
By the end of EVENTA 3 (summer 1996) plans for EVENTA 4 had already started with the theme: ”2000 Preludium” a commentary to the entry of a new millennium.
The organisational structure of Eventa demanded new needs in terms of time and means. We decided to structure and build up the exhibition in two years time. It becames a biennial. The water and the riverspace around the Fyris River seemed to be just the incubator to continue this project in its fourth edition. Ideas circled over how to find possibilities for artistic expression in direct contact with nature and places with historical background. Soon it was planned the first symposium Waterspace, which took place in June of 1997 and for a week 30 artists from 10 countries, were travelling by canoe from Ekeby Qvarn to the Museum of Uppland (about 30 km). The riverspace was explored in the purpose of finding new places for art and performance, and to let the invited local and international artists become inspired. Then in August of the same year, a second symposium Contact took place. This was meant to develop ideas for the area North of Uppsala and to point out the Fyris River’s significance for the local people and the city of Uppsala. It was seen that this meaning was not only one of historical importance, but one of enduring value and something to be handed on to the future.
“Through history” and “towards the future” became the goals of EVENTA. After further planning and after having found the inspiration, which was sought,
EVENTA 4 came to place the summer of 1998 guided by nature, water and a transition into the next millennium.

One important part of Eventa is the combination of the visual arts with the work of performance artists, which contribute at a number of special events scheduled through out the exhibition time. All together the participants number at Eventa –4 were over one hundred and come from 20 countries.

EVENTA 5 was held in two parts the year of 2000 from June to September with the themes "PARADISE ZERO" and "ONE BEING ONE GOD". More than 100 artists, scientists, critics etc participated in these events

EVENTA provides a unique cultural forum in this part of the world. Communication is fostered between artists, critics, and social scientists alike with the intention to put the artists, individuals and people in general, at the spot of this manifestation.

EVENTA was chosen to participate in the program of Stockholm, Cultural Capital of Europe ’98. EVENTA was also invited to participate in mars 1999, at the first conference of biennials “BIENALIA”, held in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, with directors from the most important biennials worldwide (Documenta, La Habana, Istanbul, Sao Paulo, Dakar etc).
EVENTA is a non-profit organisation with co-partners in many Uppsala Community Institutions.