SPACE21, based in Slemani, proudly presents the 2026 edition of its annual festival under the theme “SOUND-PLACE-MEMORY.” This year, SPACE21 is forging new sonic pathways in collaboration with Irtijal Festival (Beirut), Breach Festival (Nicosia, Cyprus), and Sonocopia Association (Porto), bringing together a diverse array of artists and audiences from across borders.

The core theme—SOUND-PLACE-MEMORY—invites audiences to explore the intricate relationships between sound, environment, and collective memory. Through a curated programme of live performances, site-specific installations, and talks, the festival examines how sound both shapes and is shaped by the places we inhabit, and how memories are encoded and evoked through sonic experiences.

By bridging Slemani with vibrant musical communities in Beirut, Nicosia, and Porto, SPACE21 expands its reach to foster intercultural dialogue and experimentation. This collaboration celebrates the transformative power of music and sound-art in connecting landscapes, histories, and personal stories, making this edition of the festival a singular event in the region’s contemporary arts calendar.