LX5 >> cross-border network for free space culture
LX5 is launched by the cultural non-profit association InstallationLx (created in 2003). The project had its start point in the context of "Luxembourg and the Greater Region - European Capital of Culture 2007.
LX5 is a platform for free space culture (German ‘FreiRaumKultur’). The aim of LX5 is a multidisciplinary network of artists from Luxembourg (L), the Greater Region - Saar (D), Rhineland-Palatinat (D), Wallonia (B), Lorraine (F) - and over its borders.
The LX5 network articulates itself around a web-based culture server self-managed by artists, a radio show as well as physically existing meeting points, such as the "LX5-Homebase" during 2007 and other temporary intervention sites in the Greater Region.
Starting from a democratisation of culture space, LX5 follows a ‘grass roots culture’ approach :
1. ‘off’ culture - defined by actions and activities that break out of the traditional framework set by art galleries, museums and other institutions.
2. free space - rooms, public spaces, empty buildings, vacant shop-windows temporarily giving life to several kinds of art projects.
3. network - individual artists, collectives, and art amateurs come together to exchange and create a common platform.
4. participation - the actors of the network decide together over the content of an exhibition or performance.
5. work-in-progress - the exhibitions are a reflection of the network and the interactions display the current dynamics.
Objectives
Access to free space
When artists leave a predefined institutional framework, they look for appropriate project spaces, where they can develop new means of creation and artistic experimentation.
Facilitate the communication and coordination among artists
A better exchange of organisational know-how and concrete experiences between artists are essential for the use of free space and the development of a culture referring to it.
Act as an awareness-raising tool
The exchange between artists, event organisers and the public favours a ‘grass roots culture’ and stimulates public curiosity for the diversity and quality of artistic creation within the Greater Region and over its border.
Offer non-established artists a stepping stone
The networking of young artists crossing institutional barriers enables a common representation with higher impact and increases public visibility.
Spaces :
In 2007, LX5 Homebase in Luxembourg-Hollerich was the meeting point, a showcase for artwork and a workspace for artists. This new collective art place accommodates two types of activities. Five collective exhibition projects take place in the ’LX5 expo space’ : L’écurie, multiplex, 070707, Pop-Up-Shop, and mais oui… . ’LX5 meeting space’ includes performance nights, workshops and an art info-space.
While LX5 Homebase is the starting point for LX5 actions, the artists of the cross-border network also establish other transitory meeting points in various vacant places like the Kunstsilo in Saarbrucken, some locations in Trier and the Hall des soufflantes in Esch-Belval, which they temporarily use as ‘new territories of art’ (French ‘nouveaux territoires de l’art’).
Communication :
www.lx5.net The culture server, as network tool for LX5, is an Internet portal for artists, they can manage autonomously their own virtual gallery to present themself. LX5.net is the virtual counterpart of real gatherings such as exhibitions, artists, art collectives, workshops, cultural centres and informal contacts. The website offers also useful information : locations for events, project and partner search, agenda, tools for financial support and more.
Radio LX5 as monthly guest - during two years - "LX5 goes radio ARA" from december, 2005 to december, 2007in the Bloe Baaschtert-show at RAdio ARA. In each issue, musiciens presented themselves by playing some musical pieces live in the studio "Radiophonie". more infos…