The Dočasný Kultúrny Priestor venue in Petržalka. (source: Ondro Urban)
A gallery on one of the concrete blocks of flats terraces in Bratislava’s borough of Petržalka is once again open. In contrast to previous independent galleries, which gradually disappeared in recent years, this time the space is being operated by the borough itself via its Kultúrne Zariadenia Petržalky (Petržalka Culture Facilities, KZP) organisation.
Temporarily open, at least, as the name "Temporary Cultural Space" suggests. Its manager, photographer Martin Kleibl, hopes that a long-term cooperation with the borough can be reached, and that he will be able to plan exhibitions on the terrace on Rovniankova Street for next year as well.
So far, there have been three exhibitions; a collective exhibition of 11 artists with a connection to Petržalka, a short weekend exhibition of concrete objects, and the current exhibition of photographer Zuzana Pustaiová.
In the summer, he wants to continue the Petržalka Gallery Week tradition, connecting other cultural venues from the Tyršovo Nábrežie embankment to the Matador area in Petržalka.
Free space after a flower shop closed
Located on the 5 Rovniankova Street terrace in the neighbourhood of the DK Zrkadlový Háj culture house, Temporary Cultural Space opened in November last year. On the 50th anniversary of the construction of the largest Slovak residential area housing estate, then KZP employee Martin Kleibl wanted to organise an exhibition of contemporary artists who have some connection with Petržalka: artists who were born, worked there or are in any way focused on the borough.
"I wanted it to take place outside of KZP facilities in a space that was unused, the like of which can be found many on Petržalka terraces," says Martin Kleibl.
