Konstepidemin is a non profit organization providing studio facilities for over a hundred professional artists. The former Epidemic Hospital houses sculptors, actors, writers, textile artists, designers, dancers, musicians, jewellery and ceramic artists, painters, performance artists, print makers, poets, film makers and others. Artists have worked here since 1987, close to the city center in a park like area.

Art activities and events with the intention to "infect society with art" are arranged regularly, besides all the artists's individual shows and performances.

The galleries show around 30 exhibitions every year. Konstepidemin Gallery shows contemporary art, in Bergrummet and Pannrummet offers spaces for experimental artistic approaches. Galleri hnoss is dedicated to show contemporary international jewellery.

An annual Open House, seminars, the Christmas market and debates are among the other public events. The Blue House restaurant brings many visitors here and adds to the athmosphere.

The Childrens's Academy and The Young's invite children and young people to create art themselves. The Children's academy is a well proven art program for 5-9 year olds. Around 1200 Göteborg kids come here to take part under a year. The Young runs a summer job program where 16-17 year olds produce art commissions. Shorter educating projects and creative activities for young people also takes place.

Five guest studios provide work space for mainly international artists. Konstepidemin is a member of several international studio and culture networks.

Background
Konstepidemin was founded in 1987, mainly for three reasons. In the 1970s and 80s there was a shortage of cheap premises in the central parts of Gothenburg, as many areas in the city were due for renovation and rebuilding. It was almost impossible for artists to find somewhere to work. Rents were raised, bur artists' income were not. To acquire cheap studios and workshops has always been a fundamental problem for all free creative workers.

The second reason was the ambition to build a cultaral centre where different types of artists could work close by and thus be able to inspire each other, exchange experiences and find new ways of working together.

The third and perhaps most important reason was that the Epidemic of Art could become a pressure group for the arts towards those in political and economical power. The former hospital for epidemic diseases was "discovered" by some Gothenburg artists in 1983. It seemed obvious for them to try to get permission to use the buildings in the area. Gradually the idea was sanctioned both by the local government and by the state authorities. The first studio was let out in 1987, and the artists started to reorganize the area in order to meet their own needs. A cultaral centre was born.

The Epidemic of Art is run by an independent group of artists. The Epidemic of Art is basically self-financed. The main income comes from letting out the studios to the artists. Some of the projects are also financially supported by the city of Gothenburg and the government, from sponsors and other funds.

The Epidemic of Art is situated in the centre of Gothenburg and consists of ten buildings and a large park. There is more than 4 000 square metres of total studio area.

The hospital for epidemic diseases at the beginning of the century.
Today, this area constitutes The Epidemic of Art.

1. Open House Day
2. Studio: Sverker Eklund
3. Studio: Elisabet Eriksson
4. Welcome sign
5. Studio: Berit Jonsvik

Photos: Bibbi Forsman

We cooperate with Iaspis and Peja.
Member of networks
ResArtis & Trans Europe Halles