NEWPORT AGENCY Gabriela Warzycka-Tutak, Małgorzata Wesołowska 20 X 2015 – 21 X 2015 place, action, defunct business premises, 20 Władysława IV Street CURATOR Anna Smolak

Małgorzata Wesołowska and Gabriela Warzycka-Tutak have transformed the unused space in Władysława IV Street into a pop‑up estate agent’s office.

At present, despite its many assets—a convenient location, proximity to the sea, low population density, green spaces and interesting architecture, not to mention the presence of such institutions as Łaźnia the Centre of Contemporary Art—the district has not experienced much new interest as a place to live and work.

The founders of the Newport Agency will be trading in local properties, not entirely legally and taking advantage of systemic loopholes, bad habits and informal practices. On offer will be commercial premises, attics, garages, apartments for renovation and warehouse buildings, as well as help with arranging renovation permits and architectural consultation.

Whilst having created a temporary organisational structure and setting in motion unofficial swapping mechanisms and transfer of information, the artists comment tongue-in-cheek on the inefficiency of administrative procedures and lack of consistency in housing policies. At the same time, the Newport Agency explores local potential, proposing to use it as a basis for an active way of masterminding the future.

PHOTOGRAPHY Bogna Kociumbas, Michał Szymończyk SMUGGLERS / NARRACJE 7 installations and interventions in public space, New Port in Gdańsk www.narracje.eu NEXT PROJECT→