Autostrada Biennale, the Municipality of Prizren and Allianz Foundation Continue Their Partnership for the Development of Culture and Cultural Tourism in Prizren

Autostrada Biennale, the Municipality of Prizren and Allianz Foundation are continuing their partnership and co-financing for the 2026-2027 period, following the successful completion of the first phase of their cooperation in 2024-2025. Through this partnership, significant investments and programmes have been implemented, contributing to the expansion of cultural infrastructure and the development of art, culture and cultural tourism in Prizren.

Among the key results of the first phase are the renovation and revitalisation of Shani Efendi House as a cultural space for the community, as well as the expansion of Autostrada Hangar - Center for Contemporary Art through the development and opening of Hangar II. In the second phase, the partnership will continue with the development of new cultural, educational and public programmes in these spaces, the development of green spaces at Autostrada Hangar, and the promotion of Prizren through art and cultural tourism.

The continuation of the partnership was formalised today at Autostrada Hangar with the signing of the agreement by the Mayor of Prizren, Shaqir Totaj, and the Executive Director of Autostrada Biennale, Leutrim Fishekqiu, following its prior signature by Christian Humborg, CEO of Allianz Foundation in Berlin.

The Municipality of Prizren delegation, consisting of Mayor Shaqir Totaj, Deputy Mayor Kujtim Gashi, Public Relations Officer Jona Hoxha and Director of Culture Ajlin Shishko, was welcomed at Autostrada Hangar by Autostrada Biennale co-founders Leutrim Fishekqiu and Vatra Abrashi. Following the signing ceremony, the delegation visited the current exhibitions at Autostrada Hangar - Center for Contemporary Art.

One of the main programmes of this partnership will be the sixth edition of Autostrada Biennale, curated by Lucia Pietroiusti, which will take place from 11 July to 11 September 2027, once again bringing artists, curators, cultural professionals and visitors from Kosovo and around the world to Prizren.

“For us, the Municipality of Prizren and Allianz Foundation are much more than financial partners; they are institutional partners who understand, support and believe in the vision of Autostrada Biennale and in the role that culture can play in the development of the city. This partnership is based on concrete results that are already visible and serving the community. Autostrada Hangar - our Center for Contemporary Art - and Shani Efendi House have been activated as spaces for art and culture, and in this new phase we aim to develop them further through year-round programmes. We are very happy to continue this partnership together, creating new opportunities for art, culture, the city and the community,” emphasised Leutrim Fishekqiu, Executive Director of Autostrada Biennale.

“The continuation of our cooperation with Autostrada Biennale and Allianz Foundation demonstrates our commitment to the development of culture and cultural tourism in Prizren. The investments made so far have created new spaces and opportunities for the city, while Autostrada Hangar - Center for Contemporary Art has already proven itself as an important cultural institution with great potential to contribute further to the cultural and socio-economic development of Prizren. Through this new phase, we aim to further develop these achievements for the benefit of the citizens, artists and visitors of Prizren,” said Shaqir Totaj, Mayor of Prizren.

The partnership between the Municipality of Prizren, Allianz Foundation and Autostrada Biennale aims to continue developing cultural infrastructure and programmes, strengthen cultural tourism, and contribute to the socio-economic development of Prizren through culture and contemporary art