This edition, curated by ruangrupa (Jakarta), was shaped by transactions with the city, that is, ruangrupa's engagement with communities, interactions with residents and visitors, and many local partners. This started with the opening of the ruruhuis in July 2015, a year in advance of the opening of Sonsbeek '16, located in a vacant store in the center of Arnhem. It became a lively meeting place with a program of discussions, workshops, lectures, culinary activities, performances, pop-up markets and karaoke nights, where curators and Arnhemmers found each other.

Thanks to an Open Call, the artworks in the park could be used by the public. They could literally be used by anyone: as a space, for instance, for weddings, performances and cooking. Throughout the city, different artworks were on display, including striking murals.