For Helsinki 2000 the concept of the biennial was developed to encourage new creations and interdisciplinary works. Some 18 individual projects were created by some 180 artists. The works and projects were shown at various places in the city was the focus in Helsinki 2000, all of them created specifically for the event. The center for the activities was Maakkasin – an old warehouse in the middle of Helsinki right next to Kiasma.

The overall keyword for the biannual was "the city - its memories, realities and visions". This related and reflected to the identities and characteristics of the cities taking part in the project i.e. a reflection of cities / peoples / identities. It also related to the dialogue between art and the city and finally, it reflected to the site specific nature of the project.

Each of the cities invited young artists to work and co-operate with other specialists dealing with the nature of cities, including architects, sociologists and others to explore the nature of their own city.