Dear explorers of public space,
HAPU is happening this year for the eleventh time! In addition to Prishtina, we are also opening in Gjakova in collaboration with the Initiative of the Foundation “For Gjakova (Për Gjakovën)”. We extended our program on August 1 and 2 in Gjakova, and from August 2 to 5 in Prishtina. Thus, we are immersed in the play of artists from France, Germany, and Portugal who, with their extraordinary mastery, will transform public spaces into artistic, bold, creative and multi-dimensional spaces.

Elements of contemporary circus will open this edition of the festival, through a fascinating performance by Juan Ignacio Tula. Manipulating the large circle and its endless rotations, inspired by the whirling dervishes, they will immerse us in a special experience. The performance invites us on a journey of universal and personal experiences and everything that exists in between.

Together, we will fold origami, but not the usual ones. Giant, life-sized origami figures of artist Frank Bölter, we’ll fold together. We will share and celebrate our origami creations with each other and, in the end, transform, reuse, and recycle them.

We will immerse ourselves in the play of the French artists from Tac o Tac, in their dances on pneumatic stilts, we will follow them and re-experience the streets of Gjakova and Prishtina, in an alienated atmosphere, in a rediscovery of the sky, ready for flight.

Mimo’s Dixie Band will bring us the unique sounds that will make us imagine the streets of old New Orleans. They will give us the opportunity to play together with the audience, with circus and theater elements, as well as their amazing energy, bringing the audience to the center of attention.

We’re thrilled to offer you this unique celebration across the public spaces of Prishtina and Gjakova—an invitation to witness the magic artists bring when they reshape the everyday into moments of wonder.

Come out, open up, and meet the artists!
Play, experience transformation, become part of this rediscovery, and witness the awe.
We’ll be waiting for you!

Florent Mehmeti, Artistic Director, HAPU – Festival of Art in Public Space