We are opening HAPU as a Festival this year. Though the idea and the initiative is now 6 years old, back then when Teatri ODA engaged in partnership with 17 other organisations of the EU countries in the frame of IN SITU network. For 6 years now there has been initiated artistic projects dedicated for public space developed within the network, having European artists in residence in ODA in Prishtina as well as presenting and promoting Kosovar artists in IN SITU and festivals, members of the network. At IN SITU we have achieved last year to be selected from “Creative Europe” EU Cultural Program, as a representative Platform for Art in Public Space at the European level.

With HAPU meaning Open up in Albanian, that consist of two first letters for HApësirë (Space in Albanian) and PUblike (Public in Albanian), we are aiming  to open up another dimension of the Public Space presenting quality art work for the public. Art in public space is not developed much in Kosovo and in the Balkan region and at the level of the multidimensionality and quality of the work is almost nonexistent.

We are presenting art work that stimulates new methods and approaches in public space demonstrating possible creative means for an interaction between art and the public space, respectively the common social space of the citizens.

Offering international art work, as well as innovative art work from local artists, at the same time HAPU is also a call for opening up in a sense of expanding horizons for treating the common social space through the art work

I hope you will enjoy together with us these inspirational and creative days from 6 to 12 of September, while we remain committed to create and present qualitative art work in years to come.

Florent Mehmeti, Artistic Director, HAPU – Festival of Art in Public Space.