Q&A: U10 Art Space [Belgrade]

This Q&A column focuses on the indeterminate borders between off-/project-/artist-run spaces and the people that keep them going [#Off Space Q&A]

U10 Art Space is an independent artist-run space dedicated to supporting contemporary art founded on May 3, 2012 in Belgrade, Serbia. It functions as a flexible platform within which young visual artists and curators can showcase their work while reflecting on professional experiences and acquired knowledge. By collaborating with similar spaces and initiatives, U10 Art Space actively works on creating a culture of artistic education, debate and exchange between artists, curators, art theoreticians, writers and the wider public. The main focus of the program is to create solo and group shows presenting mainly young artists from Serbia. A few slots per year are dedicated to international projects whose concept is aimed at creating active exchange and collaborating with local artists; followed by presenting mid-career artists. An integral part of the program includes events such as: exhibition guidings by artists and curators, performances, sound and music performances, discussions and panels as well as parallel events outside of the space itself and abroad. U10 Art Space is run by U10 Art Collective, that consists of artists Nemanja Nikolić, Nina Ivanović, Lidija Delić, Isidora Krstić, Iva Kuzmanović, Marija Šević, Sava Knežević and art historian Sanda Kalebić.

www.u10.rs

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Was it a good idea?

Definitively. Still is.

Who has held you up?

Our enthusiasm. Our love towards art. Our friendship. Our determination. Our collectiveness. The people we work with. The dedication of our audience and the support of our fans.

Are you a link or a node?

A node.

What do you need?

Always more funds, more equipment, and sometimes more time. So, nothing crucial.

Digital or physical?

Physical.

What do you measure?

Possibilities of freedom.

What are the known unknowns?

Our boundaries and how to push them further.

'Terrains of Body' by Brigita Antoni, Jovana Vujanović, Teodora Nikčević at U10, 25.10–10.11.2018, photo: Nina Ivanović

Slavica Obradović, 'As if a monsoon suddenly became silent'

Sava Knežević, 'Wherever the Wind Blows' at U10, 28.07-11.08.2018, photo: Nina Ivanović

What time is it?

Turbulent and uncertain. It is time for a big change, and we are trying to make it a good one.

Is it an animal, vegetable, or mineral?

Mineral valued U10 on the Mohs scale of hardness.

Why now?

Better now than sorry.

And what about the unknown unknowns?

Stay tuned.

Are you prepared?

We can see far into the unexpected.

What were you given and what did you take?

We were given the zeal and the fellowship. We took the space.

Is it enough?

Oh, please stop being fatalistic about it!

Slavica Obradović, 'As if a monsoon suddenly became silent'

Sava Knežević, 'Wherever the Wind Blows', 28.07–11.08.2018, photo: Nina Ivanović

'Masterpieces', group student show at U10, 28.02–16.03.2019, photo: Nina Ivanović