Eleven Years of Kunstraum Memphis
Ten would have been enough for an anniversary—but we're celebrating the eleventh. That one extra. "10+1" may sound at first like an accounting surplus or a bonus item in some promotional offer. But this title hints at more: it signals that despite all odds, precarious conditions, the logic of funding structures, and “projectitis,” something enduring has taken root.

Memphis has now existed for over ten years. Not because it was easy—but thanks to the energy of many and a tremendous commitment. In defiance of market logic, fatigue, and commodification. 10+1 years of artistic production, theoretical reflection, curatorial experimentation, and a continuous expansion of space and possibility. These eleven years are reason to celebrate continuity in the in-between, to embrace ambivalence—and yes, maybe even to throw a bit of a defiant party, because of course, in the arts and culture sector, there’s “No Reason for Optimism.” So come celebrate the +1 with us!

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This year, under the topic “10+1,” several formats will accompany and expand the regular program. One of them is GÂTEAUX EN VITRINE: Memphis’ shop windows become its stage. Out of more than 350 artists who have contributed to the program so far, 10+1 will create new works—a showpiece—as a symbolic gift to mark the start of Memphis’ adolescence. This marks the beginning of the next Memphis chapter (or decade). The first three works by Claire Fontaine, Thomas Kluckner, and Andrea Lüth will be presented on June 26 in a minimalist window display designed specifically for this occasion by Felix Pöchhacker. More works will follow throughout the year.

Utensils and objects from past exhibitions by Nikos Arvanitis, Vana Kostayola, Ayan Rezaei, Slavs and Tatars, and Axel Töpfer will be transformed into art within the party setting—art you can touch and use.

Sound and music will come from artists who have been part of the Memphis program in recent years: Karin Fisslthaler / Cherry Sunkist, Jens Vetter, KENON aka KLUB, and I–ID.

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10+1 was developed in collaboration with Dagmar Schink.

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Claire Fontaine

Thomas Kluckner

Andrea Lüth

Nikos Arvanitis

Vana Kostayola

Ayan Rezaei

Slavs and Tatars

Axel Töpfer

Karin Fisslthaler

Jens Vetter

Katharina Anna Loidl

I–ID