Seven artists in contemporary art award

TIRANA, June 30 – After an intense research process started in April, the selection team under the leadership of Zef Paci and assisted by Valentina Koca and Tina Finnas, announced the list of seven talented artists, participants of the Grand Finale of Contemporary Art Award, ARDHJE (Arrival) 2010. This year’s shortlisted artists that will compete for the artist in residency in New York City are Ledia Kostandini, Theodoraq Napoloni, Dritan Hyska, Fani Zguro, Alketa Ramaj, Enkelejd Zonja and Albert Brahaj.
The Grand Finale exhibition of the ARDHJE Award 2010 was held simultaneously at Hekla Center premises as well as at Zeta Gallery. A number of selected works and projects from the participating artists will be put on display, curated by Zef Paci.
Contemporary Art Award ARDHJE 2010 every year highlights the most exciting among young contemporary artists in Albania. Since its inception, this event maps and documents the developments in the Albanian scene of contemporary art. As in the previous events, the selected works in this year’s edition display attempts to observe the Albanian reality, with an awareness of our recent past. This is attempt is a strive towards an actively critical participation in contemporary life.
Initiated in 2007, ARDHJE Award has established itself as the leading event, entirely dedicated to the work of young Albanian artists. Created by TICA – Tirana Institute of Contemporary Art, in collaboration with FCS – Foundation for Civil Society, New York, the ARDHJE Award is the only professional contemporary art award in Albania, consisting of a six week long residency in New York City for the winner, provided by FCS. Differing from all other award events, that mainly aim to use artists for mere marketing purposes, the ARDHJE Award is built only on the independently created artistic work of young Albanian artists, and focuses in providing high exhibition standards, production of art works and projects as well as vital connections to the professional, international art world.
Since 2008, the Grand Finale exhibition is co-organized with Zeta Gallery, the only independent contemporary art gallery in Tirana.