Campaign Story

GALERIA 17

Shtatëmbëdhjetë (17) as a continuation of the realization of its mission and contribution to the art scene, is bringing Prishtina a new exhibition space: Galeria 17. The gallery will have a distinct focus on social issues. Artists and curators are invited to experiment with concepts, ideas and space, offering exhibitions bold in content that create dialogue and foster public debate.

Who we are?

Shtatëmbëdhjetë (17) is a nonprofit organization established in Prishtina, Kosovo in 2018. Centered on experience and the need to refunctionalize alternative public spaces, Shtatëmbëdhjetë has been registered as a foundation that aims to foster positive change in society through enabling cultural vitality and creativity. Our mission is to foster cultural activism for social development. 17 has three programs: Art & Culture, Civic Activism and Project Space. 17 is based in Prishtina, but covers all Kosovo regions with its activities.

So far, it counts numerous self-organized initiatives, creating opportunities for the development of art and culture, as well as encouraging citizens in the country to participate in public life through arts, culture, education, civic activism and inclusion.

What is our goal?

Driven by an independent scene of talented and motivated artists and without international representation in a brittle art system as well as with a minimal infrastructure of contemporary art, Shtatëmbëdhjetë has taken on the task to re-articulate all the activity, including Galeria 17.

Galeria 17 comes as a desire and need for inclusiveness and sustainability of an artistic scene in fermentation, where exigency for new spaces of experimentation is vital. Located not in the center, but in one of the oldest neighborhoods of the capital, the gallery can be perceived as  space of a conch shell that arises with the clam that grows, adapts and transforms depending on development needs, just as the common public space reflects our social structure within the labyrinths of urban progress. Therefore, providing a comprehensive space for research, education, activism, artistic experimentation as well as creating conditions for representation of art and artists remains a goal in itself.

Galeria 17 mission is to foster critical reflection by identifying and supporting bold voices that enable new perspectives through contemporary art practices.

How will your support help us?

With your support, we will be able to continue the renovation of the space that will serve not only as a gallery but also as an experimental space for artists. Your support in addition to helping us make the space usable, in the short and long term will contribute to creating the conditions for research, education, activism and artistic experimentation.

Your support will add value to this project and raise the voice for the importance of independent and inclusive institutions, which provide quality structures in service of the missing and much needed infrastructure for our context – with the aim of self-sustainability.

What do we need?

Doors, floors and tile restoration will be just some of the aspects that will help adapt the gallery space. Once we have completed the first interventions, there will be a need for equipment and installation of lighting, the necessary panels and inventory. We aim to make this space functional with a series of works that will make the gallery accessible and at the same time respond to the needs of the artistic community to exhibit their work and more.

Budget

Filming & editing: Leart Rama
K2.0 video: Trëndelinë Halili