We spoke with Roxana Morar, Michele Bressan and Dani Ghercă, the three founders of Scânteia + cultural center, about their approach to opening a new space dedicated to contemporary art, about the moment of the inauguration of the space and future plans.

You have reactivated a space with a lot of historical charge, with the intention of developing a platform that stimulates artistic dialogue and interdisciplinary collaborations while simultaneously emphasizing connection with the public. Please tell us the context in which the opening Scânteia+ space took shape.

Scânteia+ is part of the initial plan that we had in mind when we decided to start an artistic node in the Casa Presei Libere. The basis of this project was the desire to develop a necessary space for the artistic scene in Romania, capable of becoming a platform that can support both domestic and international projects.
Our plan involves a series of stages through which we gradually develop what we want to become a new art center within the Free Press House. We want a place where the public can simultaneously visit various exhibitions organized by the galleries that will open their premises in 2025 and large-scale events, whether we are talking about exhibitions, art fairs or music concerts.

Were there international benchmarks?

Yes. In the development process of Scânteia + space, we had several benchmarks of similar spaces that we visited in the past. Among them would be: Kraftwerk Berlin (GE); Reaktor Vienna (AU); Spinnerei Leipzig (AU); Tankers (DK); Peckham Levels London (UK), Fondation Fiminco Paris (FR).

Who are the project’s initiators, and what motivated you in this endeavor?

Scânteia+ represents a large-scale cultural project in Bucharest, initiated by Roxana Morar, Michele Bressan and Dani Ghercă, which aims to create a space dedicated to large-scale exhibitions. This initiative is part of a larger plan, started in 2023, including Ateliere Scânteia.

You recently inaugurated SCANTEIA+ space. How was the opening event received by the public and the artistic community?

The public very well received the inauguration of Scânteia +. We got the reaction we wanted; the visitors were delighted with the idea of combining contemporary art with music, and the space was an element that positively surprised most of those present. For the opening, we exhibited works from the MARe/Museum of Recent Art collection combined with a sculptural light installation created by Ion Cotenescu (Cote). At the same time, we had guests on the musical performance side: Francesco Tristano, Cristi Cons, DeWalta, Mischa Blanos & Thomas Melchior.

The access to space is difficult and, to some extent, I would say, daunting. Are you planning to improve access to space?

We like the fact that we are “in the backyard”, and access to Scânteia+ is part of the experience we intend to offer. Through Scânteia+, we did not intend to have street access. We are already planning to supplement the signage, and the public will eventually get used to the route to the space.

Is there a space tour program? Also, will entry to the space be free, or will there be a fee for attending/visiting, depending on the events it will host?

We are currently working on the exhibition calendar for 2025, and depending on the proposed exhibitions, there will also be a specific visiting program.
Regarding access to the space, depending on the organized event, an entrance ticket may be charged to the public.

What impact do you think SCâNTEIA+ will have on the artistic scene in Bucharest and the country?

Our space aims to create a new benchmark for contemporary art in Romania. We want to ensure a consistent curatorial program consisting of 4 annual exhibitions that research and promote both the local artistic scene and the one in the CEE region, coexisting with the existing artistic structures.

In which direction will the project evolve? Are you considering including other art forms and expanding collaborations in future projects?

Collaboration plays an essential role in our vision, and the co-production of exhibitions in partnership with organizations from Romania and abroad will represent a central point of Scânteia+’s organizational strategy. For the year 2025, we are already in discussions with three of the most important contemporary art organizations in Romania to develop the curatorial program that will be presented to the public.