Space21 is for promoting contemporary music, experimental, electronics, noise, free improvisation, sound art and sound archive in Kurdistan region in Iraq. Since 2017, Space21 organised sound exhibitions and concerts in the city of Slemani, presenting works by national and international artists in public spaces. Space21’s vision is to promote sound art for audiences by using public spaces as an artistic arena. Moreover, Space21’s goal is to explore new perspectives on the culture of everyday life through sound. By focusing on listening, Space21 aims to open possibilities for audiences to have new experiences of the places where they live and work, nurturing new understandings of modern society and its struggles.
Founder and Curator: Hardi Kurda
Festival support team: Bryar Ismaeel, Niga Salam, Bzhwen Jamal, Khabat Abas, Emily Moore
Partners: Irtijal Festival in Beirut, Breach Festival in Nicosia, Sonorities Festival in Belfast, LeGuessWho? Festival in Utrecht, Reproduction in Goa, Cafe OTO, Another Sky Festival and Shubbak Festival in London, Bait Tarkib in Baghdad.
Previous sponsors: Goethe institute, British Council, Onassis Stegi in Greece, AFAC (Arab Fund for Art and Culture), Prohelvetia in Switzerland, Swedish Music organisation, Society of Swedish Composer and Swedish Arts grant committee, IFA in Germany, Norwegian Art Council.
Local supporter: Culture Factory, The Deir Mariam Al–Adra monastery, Slemani Museum, Slemani Antiquities and Heritage Directorate, The Ministry of Culture and Youth in Kurdistan region, Slemani Saray, Khan Saray Hotel, Jan Cafe, Salam Culture House, 51 Lab, Click Marketing Agency in Iraq, Amna Suraka (Red Museum)