The first edition of the SPACE21 Festival took place in 2017 under the banner of FAS (Festival for Sound Art), marking a pivotal moment for contemporary art in Kurdistan. Conceived as a platform to bridge local and international artistic practices, the festival aimed to foster dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge exchange within the global contemporary art community.

From its very first edition, SPACE21 distinguished itself by embracing public spaces as both artistic media and meeting points. By activating parks, streets, and other public spaces, the festival brought sound art directly into the daily lives of Slemani residents. This approach not only expanded the boundaries of artistic practice but also created opportunities for spontaneous engagement and meaningful interaction between artists and the wider public.

Through this commitment to accessibility and experimentation, the 2017 SPACE21 Festival laid the foundation for a vibrant annual event that continues to redefine the role of contemporary art in Kurdistan and beyond.