As a festival of non-commercial, self-organised art venues, Independent Space Index presents an extensive programme of freely accessible exhibitions, talks, guided tours, vernissages and special events throughout the city. While art fairs in the Danube metropolis are reportedly struggling, the off-space scene is flourishing all the more: Independent Space Index offers the opportunity to get to know this scene better. Off-spaces, collectives and initiatives open their doors, create exchange and offer experimental formats beyond institutional structures. Independent Space Index makes this diversity accessible to a wide audience.
The three-day festival focuses on visits to more than 50 independent art spaces, which invite visitors to exhibitions and presentations during joint opening hours. As in the previous year, a special highlight is the series of talks in cooperation with the Kunsthalle Wien, which will take place on all three days of the festival at the Kunsthalle am Karlsplatz. Under the title Indexing as Method: Towards, In Relation, Beyond, the identity and role of the spaces will be discussed in various constellations and from different perspectives. The talks will be followed by guided tours of selected projects. Further details will be available closer to the festival at 2026.index.at. The programme will be complemented by numerous vernissages, performances and special formats at various locations. Participation is free of charge and is aimed at both local and international audiences with an interest in contemporary art.
What do we mean by independent space?
An independent space is defined by its initiators as a self-organised exhibition space that primarily and programmatically presents contemporary art. These spaces, which often operate as art associations, are open to the public, engage in educational work and do not pursue financial gain. In contrast to other platforms, the Independent Space Index has an additional criterion: there must be a permanent, physical location in Vienna where contemporary art is publicly exhibited and which is neither part of a commercial gallery nor a large institution. The Independent Space Index 2026 invites everyone to mark this weekend in their calendars and immerse themselves in Vienna’s artistic diversity. We are happy to assist with collaborations, further information or media enquiries.
Where does the festival take place?
The festival takes place simultaneously at over 50 locations, bringing Vienna’s decentralised network of art spaces to life. The open house days allow visitors to discover many of them within a short period of time – without having to make an appointment or check opening hours.
Kunsthalle Wien Karlsplatz serves as the festival’s central hub. This year it will once again host a series of talks titled Indexing as Method: Toward, In Relation, Beyond, bringing together artists, curators, and researchers to reflect on artistic practices and the role of independent art spaces. At the same time, the exhibition Lebt und arbeitet in Wien. Contemporary Art from Vienna will be on view at Kunsthalle Wien Karlsplatz.
Independent Space Index – The festival for independent art spaces returns
29–31 May 2026
At various locations in Vienna
Visit the exhibition program and all other events online.
The Independent Space Index network is organised by volunteers and thrives on community engagement. Each year, a small team takes on the organisation of the festival, while the format is collectively developed and changes with each edition. Since its inception in 2018, Independent Space Index has been the largest collaborative event of its kind in Vienna. You can find out more about the festival in the documentation of previous editions (2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021) and in our archive, which includes reviews, interviews, pictures, and videos. Each festival edition has a printed festival folder and an interactive city map showing all participating venues. The interactive map is available online at https://2026.index.wien. The folder will be available in all participating venues and selected art locations in Vienna.
