The International Contemporary Art Fair ArtVilnius’24 Announces Its 15th Anniversary Program

The 15th anniversary of the International Art Fair “ArtVilnius” is a great opportunity to celebrate art. From October 4 to 6, over 300 artists, 67 contemporary art galleries, and 15 institutions from 14 countries will come together for this event at the Lithuanian Exhibition and Congress Centre “Litexpo.” Other important participants will include curators, art historians, collectors, and curious art enthusiasts.

Launched in 2009, the International Contemporary Art Fair “ArtVilnius” invites everyone to celebrate art this year. The three-day event annually connects contemporary artists, galleries, institutions, collectors, and art lovers, opening doors to global art.

A Special Focus on Nordic Artists

This autumn, the fair is particularly welcoming guests from Northern Europe. Alongside Lithuanian artists, they are ready to rethink questions of aesthetics, politics, and statistical positioning related to regional identity.

At the anniversary “ArtVilnius’24,” participants from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Belgium, Estonia, and Latvia are expected. Visitors will also see works from creators from France, Germany, Italy, Ukraine, Poland, the USA, and other countries.

In 2009, during the creation of “ArtVilnius,” the director of the London-based Frieze Art Fair visited Lithuania. At that meeting, someone asked whether it was wise to establish an art fair in Vilnius during the economic crisis. His response was, “Now is the time to create.” While the Copenhagen fair “Enter” is just five years old, the Cologne fair started in 1967, followed by the Basel Art Fair a few years later. Like “ArtVilnius,” these fairs were established by gallery owners, continuing the tradition of art fairs in Europe. The “Vilnius European Capital of Culture 2009” project provided a historic opportunity to create a lasting event. For two years, the fair team developed its model and structure, says Diana Stomienė, the director of “ArtVilnius” and president of the Lithuanian Art Gallery Association.

A Diverse Gallery Program

Sonata Baliuckaitė, the art director of “ArtVilnius’24,” promises a very diverse gallery program. Twenty galleries will participate for the first time, and 10 galleries will present photography art this year. “We want to introduce audiences to the less familiar art scene of Northern Europe. This year, 11 galleries and institutions from Norway, Finland, Denmark, and Sweden will participate, showcasing painting, installations, kinetic art, sculptures, and performances,” says Baliuckaitė.

Visitors will find familiar galleries from Denmark, Latvia, France, Estonia, and several Lithuanian galleries, including The Rooster Gallery, Terra Recognita, The Room, and more.

Projects Zone to Explore Contemporary Themes

The Projects Zone will feature exciting contemporary artists, galleries, and institutions from Northern Europe, curated by Lithuanian art historian Dr. Valentinas Klimašauskas, one of the curators of the Lithuanian National Pavilion at the 60th Venice Biennale.

The Projects Zone will reflect on various concepts of agency in the contemporary discourse, exploring essential aspects that shape today’s context.

All Nordic capitals will have their institutional representatives at the fair. For instance, Copenhagen will be represented by Kunsthal Charlottenborg and artist Simon Dybbroe Møller.

Exciting Events and Education

The art director, S. Baliuckaitė, mentions that the extensive program of “ArtVilnius’24” will include discussions, lectures, tours, art book presentations, and meetings. “The fair is a unique platform for artists to showcase their talents, allowing visitors to see new works, meet artists, learn about the creative process, and experience the beauty and diversity of the art world,” she says.

An international jury will select the best galleries, artists, and works, with awards for the best young artist and the best overall artist. Special awards will also be given for outstanding sculptures and installations.

Cultural Experiences and Festivals

During the fair weekend, on October 4, residents and visitors of Vilnius are invited to explore selected city galleries and institutions during the “Art After Hours” festival.

Join us for the 15th International Contemporary Art Fair “ArtVilnius’24” at the Lithuanian Exhibition and Congress Centre “Litexpo” from October 4 to 6. Tickets are available at kakava.lt. The fair is organized by the Lithuanian Art Gallery Association, with support from the Lithuanian Culture Council and the City of Vilnius. For more information, visit www.artvilnius.com.