In Pristina, the new Manifesta 14 exhibition.

A biannual exhibition that regenerates the city, in support of GCF.

A biannual art exhibition and also an event promoting transformations, an urban regeneration agency: Manifesta 14 in Pristina counted, in addition to its mixed public-private financing model, also on the support of a wide range of funds and international foundations that have been supporting it since the beginning in 1996, and – the organizers specify - “on the consistent financial support of corporate sponsors, partnerships of great importance that allow Manifesta di promote new visions of art and culture and realize itinerant site-specific biannual exhibitions in Europe”.

“The relation with the territory – the managers of GCF – Kosovo comment with satisfaction – the goal to renew and contribute to the development, environmental compatibility and sustainability in the future, are topics that a company like GCF, involved in the full renewal of the railway network of the country, totally embodies: they are a fundamental element in our entrepreneurial culture and constitute the ultimate scope of our operation. For this reason, assuring our contribution was an “instinctive” gesture that arises spontaneously from the bond with this territory and the commitment to do our best for the development of the country”.

A biannual exhibition that regenerates the city, in support of enterprises.

Art and urban “regeneration” projects. In Pristina, with Manifesta 14, the itinerant European Biannual Exhibition, Contemporary Art interprets a new model: the relaunching start-up. Thanks also to the widespread support of the private sector and companies that – like GCF, which is been working in Kosovo for many years – have collaborated and supported the 14th edition of one of the most renowned and influent art biannual exhibitions worldwide.

Over 100 artists coming from more than 30 Countries, for the 100 days in which Manifesta, until October 30th, will propose a program rich of art, events, workshops, with the aim to stimulate citizens to exploit public spaces. Many figures of international fame will be present; numerous (about 65%) artists coming from Kosovo and the western Balkans. However, this is not the reason for which the founder and director of Manifesta, Hedwige Fijien, wanted to define the itinerant international biannual exhibition as “radically local”.

The proudly “local” aspect of the appointment with International Contemporary Art lies instead in the attempt to turn Manifesta, in addition to shows, exhibitions and artistic projects, into an occasion and stimulus to start and realize urban upgrading and regeneration projects. “For example – the Director Fijien explained to the international press – the Green Corridor, which transforms part of an abandoned urban railway in a green space and city pedestrian path. The community is involved in planting, designing and maintaining this corridor that will promote the long-term environmental change in the city”.
A “joint urbanisation” project wanted by the two “creative mediators” -Manifesta has thus renamed the curators of the Biannual exhibition - Carlo Ratti from Turin who, with his design and innovation agency, was able to involve local citizens and communities in the rethinking process “from the bottom” of the role of local infrastructures and use of public areas. Therefore “Manifesta 14” in Pristina, the youngest European capital and also the city that most urgently needs the recovery and reorganization of city spaces, was able to create a “widespread” exhibition in 22 city locations and also to launch numerous interventions like the Green Corridor – realized also thanks to GCF’s collaboration – favouring the upgrading of the urban fabric.
A biannual art exhibition and also an event promoting transformations, an urban regeneration agency: Manifesta 14 in Pristina counted, in addition to its mixed public-private financing model, also on the support of a wide range of funds and international foundations that have been supporting it since the beginning in 1996, and – the organizers specify - “on the consistent financial support of corporate sponsors, partnerships of great importance that allow Manifesta di promote new visions of art and culture and realize itinerant site-specific biannual exhibitions in Europe”.

“The relation with the territory – the managers of GCF – Kosovo comment with satisfaction – the goal to renew and contribute to the development, environmental compatibility and sustainability in the future, are topics that a company like GCF, involved in the full renewal of the railway network of the country, totally embodies: they are a fundamental element in our entrepreneurial culture and constitute the ultimate scope of our operation. For this reason, assuring our contribution was an “instinctive” gesture that arises spontaneously from the bond with this territory and the commitment to do our best for the development of the country”.

GCF’S ACTIVITY IN KOSOVO

GCF’s activity in Kosovo began in February 2019 by signing the contract of 78.6 million Euros for Lot 1 of Fushë Kosovë - Hani i Elezit section towards the Macedonian border: 67 km of line (45% of Kosovan section of Rail Route 10) to fully rebuild. A complex project – considered a “pre-requirement for the development of the entire country” that started in September of the same year together with local sub-contractor R & Rukolli and concerned typical works of railway armouring and civil works for the rebuilding of under passes, tunnels, bridges and stations.

In addition, in September 2021, Rossi Group was awarded the second lot: a contract of 47.9 million Euros to rebuild the railway section between Fushë Kosovë and Mitrovice. The project approved by Infrakos, foresees the delivery of 34.4 km of main railway line fully rebuilt and 9.1 km of tracks and switches in the stations, in addition to the restoring of about 18 km of roads parallel and transversal to the line – service roads or roads with the current 32 level crossings- also by restoring and rebuilding existing bridges (16 in total, many in steel and some in brick),hydraulic works and suitable underground channels.

Corridor X is 252 km long, 148 km of which cross Kosovo along the North-South Leshak – Hani i Elezit axis. From Kraljevo (in Serbia), through Lapovo, it reaches Belgrade; to the south, in Macedonia, from Gjiorche Petrov, it reaches Skopje. Its integration in the eastern European /East Mediterranean corridor (Ten-T network, axis 4) will allow to connect the Balkans with Austria, Greece and Bulgaria.

For additional information:

With GCF, Kosovo starts the modernization of the railway network

The rebuilding of railway Rail Route 10 started in Kosovo

Kosovo: GCF awarded also the second lot of Rail Route 10

PHOTO CREDITS: ARTRIBUNE.COM