OpenSpace becomes ClosedSpace

OpenSpace, the online portal about contemporary society and politics, has closed down only a few months after a relaunch of the site. The reason behind the closure remains unclear; according to an announcement on their Facebook page it was due to financial reasons. But in an interview, editor-in-chief Maksim Kovalsky claimed there were political motivations behind the closure. OpenSpace is owned by Vadim Belyaev, an investor who has taken a hands on approach to the project and was instrumental in its relaunch. Uncertainty has plagued the site since the original editor-in-chief Maria Stepanova left in July 2012 to set up a Colta, a new cultural portal based on the original OpenSpace concept. WOS (Weekend OpenSpace), the sister site aimed at a younger audience currently remains open.