Lespai

lEspai is a name used by several cultural centers and artist-run spaces in Catalonia and other Catalan-speaking regions. The term, written in Catalan as l’Espai or lEspai, translates to "the space" and is associated with venues devoted to contemporary and experimental arts.

Although there is no single entity called lEspai, venues adopting this name typically operate as nonprofit cultural organizations that curate exhibitions, performances, residencies, and education programs. They offer flexible spaces for visual art, theater, dance, and multidisciplinary projects, plus studios or rehearsal rooms and informal spaces for talks and screenings.

History and scope: The use of lEspai as a venue name grew with the rise of independent cultural spaces in the region from the late 1990s onward. Individual spaces vary in size, governance, and programming, but share a commitment to opening contemporary art to broader publics.

Typical programs include artist residencies, open calls for proposals, temporary exhibitions, live performances, workshops, and youth outreach. Many collaborate with universities, cultural institutions, and local communities.

Governance and funding: Most lEspai venues operate as nonprofit associations or foundations, supported by public subsidies from regional or local authorities, cultural grants, private sponsorship, and project-based financing.

Impact: As part of a broader network of independent spaces, lEspai venues contribute to the regional arts ecosystem by supporting emerging artists, fostering experimentation, and engaging local audiences.