4 Years of Gallery 1986

10 Minute Read

Art & Culture

We spotlight the Vilnius club come creative space which is cementing itself as a backbone of the Lithuanian capital.

Gallery 1986 has only been open for four years. However, in that time it has become acclaimed for its broad variety of programming which is as pivotal across multi disciplinary creative scenes as it is dance music or club culture alone.

The multi faceted space is what the Lithuanian capital has been crying out for and has become a home for artists with ambition and a desire to develop the cultural backbone of the city with a progressive vision and an inclusive policy of curation and creation.

From a musical perspective its programming is geared towards leftfield club music – showcasing electro, house and eclectic sounds across all spheres.

We spoke to a number of key figures involved in the space to find it what makes Gallery 1986 tick.

Giedre Datenyte – architect behind gallery 1986

What do you feel is unique about the space in terms of architecture & design?

‘Gallery 1986, located in a former radio factory, the space spans over 1,000 square meters. Its architecture and design are generally ascetic, monumental, and even restrained. The true magic of the space, however, unfolds through the use of natural light, which streams in from all the perimeter, constantly transforming the environment. The atmosphere shifts depending on whether it’s late at night or early in the morning.”

What was the process of creating it’s environment? Are there any other clubs, venues or experiences you draw inspiration from?

“The process of creating Gallery 1986’s environment focused primarily on reinventing and repurposing the unique elements of the industrial building, blending carefully selected new architectural designs with an emphasis on simplicity, and finally adopting a strategic approach to natural light to shape the space’s atmosphere and experience.”

Musically speaking – what sounds resonate or work most effectively at gallery 1986?

“For me personally everything what sounds spacious or dreamy.”

“I remember walking in for the first time, looking around me and thinking: wow! This is a night where I can dive deep! The lights coming from the windows, the atmosphere and how people danced felt really unique. Everyone was locked into music! That feeling of knowing you can create a story and not thinking about playing a drop after the other, but create a journey instead, it is really special nowadays!” – Budino

Nicola Cruz – “Gallery is a club like non other. I remember being immersed in the set all night long, but it was until the lights came in early in the morning when I rose my head and saw the crowd being deep into it as I was. It was a moment of instant smile and realization.”

DJ JM – “While playing in gallery 1986 was exciting in the moment, the real joy came afterward—when the energy still lingered, the crowd’s reaction sank in, and I found myself smiling about it even the next day.”

Indré – “The sound, the atmosphere, and the way crowd gets locked in the moment hits different. The quality of events there is on another level, creating an energy that truly sets it apart. And let’s pay a homage to mornings in the Red Room, and how the first rays of sunshine peaks through yellow-filtered glass. Magic!”

Roe Deers – “The most memorable was the first birthday of the Gallery. That night (or rather the morning) also saw the debut of the “Red Room”. The dances ended at 3:00 PM, it was the first (now usual) experience of the breakfast set. It was a really good feeling to wake up in the morning, go to the club after a double espresso. Over the four years, the “gallery” presented many impressive exhibits, but the most important thing was – that it changed the dance schedule in Vilnius.”

Aiste Regina – “Physically, the venue itself is quite superior to anything else in the northern region of Europe. It’s big and it’s cozy. It’s cool however gets sweaty. It’s colourful but industrial. The sound is in constant care and tailored to the genre of the nights. Musically, Gallery caries the legacy and the quality of Opium Club agenda. It’s written in history that amazing artists have been coming to Vilnius for years now. Emotionally, it’s where our all dancers’ dreams come together and new life is happening. In 4 years, which is not that much for a clubbing space, Gallery 1986 – managed to become a beautiful entity of world’s nightlife.”

What’s to come this year from Gallery? How are you celebrating 4 years?

“We have plenty of clubnights scheduled, altering from techno oriented nights into newly incorporating day dance concept. Have a couple of our OG gallery nights dated as well as some concerts & collab events with different promoters from abroad. Watch this space!

4 years anniversary will be an extended two days event including acts like Tiga, Jane Fitz, Massimiliano Pagliara, Opal Sunn & Denzel. Praising of course always on point our flagship residents Aiste Regina, Roe Deers, V, Tumosa, Indré & myself (Clicklounge).” – Paulius Austrevičius, music programming director of gallery 1986.

web – https://www.1986.gallery/
instagram – https://www.instagram.com/1986_gallery_/
facebook – https://www.facebook.com/gallery1986