Mara Launch Event

23 September 2025
Vila 31 x Art Explora, Tirana

Organised by Khrais - Tërshana, Mara brought together twenty-five artists from Albania, Kosovo, and across Europe at Vila 31 x Art Explora in Tirana. The event marked a critical intervention in a region where commercial gallery infrastructure remains largely absent, opening dialogue around the possibility of an art market in Southeast Europe.

In Albania, where no established commercial gallery ecosystem exists, the initiative addressed a structural gap: while Albanian and Kosovar artists increasingly exhibit across European institutions, mechanisms for local collecting and market-building have yet to take root. Mara proposed an alternative model, bringing international and regional practices into direct conversation within Tirana itself.

Artists: Ada Bond, Ben Grosse-Johannboecke, Blerta Hashani, Edyta Olszewska, Elis Feka, Ermir Zhinipotoku, Franklin Collins, Freddie Bannister, Genc Kadriu, Genti Korini, Idlir Koka, Kaddy Saho, Keith Farquhar, Kentaro Okumura, Leonard Qylafi, Łukasz Surowiec, Lumturie Krasniqi, Mary Pye, Meriton Bexheti, Mila Rae Sarabhai, Nensi Dojaka, Patrycja Piętka, Renid Tosuni, Valdrin Thaqi, Zeni Alia.