The seventh edition of the Biennale Internazionale dell’Arte Contemporanea of Florence was held from 5th to 13th December 2009 in the historical setting of Fortezza da Basso. More than 600 artists from all around the world were exhibiting more than 2,000 works of art. It was an extraordinary encounter between different cultures, styles and languages well in line with the “Dialogue among Civilization” program that the Biennale has been officially participating in since 2001. Participants and guests had the chance to meet within more than 15 conferences and events. On the schedule were some opportunities branded “Japanese Cinema: vision of Japanese films”. Other events to mention was "An Artist and a Scientist: a common way" lecture by Francesco Saverio Pavone and Dony Mac Manus in collaboration with OpenLab; "Octavio Paz Art and thought" by Gregorio Luke; "Art and Chemistry as reciprocal sources of inspiration" lecture by Cristiana Lofrumento in collaboration with OpenLab; "Development of art in China" by Zhang Hongbin. The distinction ”Lorenzo Il Magnifico” Life Achievement award was this year given to Marina Abramovich and Shu Yong for their contribution to the International Contemporary Art Scene. Abramovich showed some of her videos at the Fortezza da Basso and gave a lecture to the audience followed by a book signing and an exchange of thoughts between public and her. Yong participated with some of the paintings from the series “Chinese Myths”. Sweden was represented with these 12 artists: Ida Bentinger, Christer Bording, Lisa Davis, Anne-Marie Djurfors, Maria Drott, Kristina Granholm, Charlotte Hedberg, Gunnel Hillerström Bengtsson, Farangis Idelchi, Karl Otto Myrstad, Lisbeth Sandvall and Saroee Danish. Ida Bentinger was awarded the 2009 Florence Biennale President Award.