In 2016, the curatorial collective ruangrupa (Jakarta) presented 'SONSBEEK'16: transACTION'. This edition was characterised by the intertwinement of the city, engagement with the community, interaction with residents and visitors and many local partnerships. This started with the opening of te 'ruru huis' in July 2015, a year in advance of the opening of the exhibition. It became a lively meeting place with a programme of discussions, workshops, lectures, culinary activities, performances, pop-up markets and karaoke nights, where curators and Arnhemmers found each other.

The installations in the park could literally be used via open calls: the works staged weddings, performances, and cooking sessions, for example. There were also some installations in the city including striking murals, of which many remain visible in Arnhem today.