Celebrating its 15th anniversary, international contemporary art fair ArtVilnius returns the Lithuanian capital once again this October 4–6, 2024, welcoming 67 contemporary art galleries and 15 institutions hailing from 14 countries, with a strong presence of Northern European counties including Norway, Finland, Denmark, and Sweden. Among the numerous returning participants, upwards of 20 art galleries will stage presentations with ArtVilnius for the very first time, bringing a new and dynamic element for fair visitors.
Courtesy of ArtVilnius. Photo: Mika Savčiūtè.
The forthcoming edition of ArtVilnius will also see the return of the Project Zone for its third year in a row, guided by curator Valentina Klimašauskas who curated the Lithuanian National Pavilion at the 60th Venice Biennale. A program that spans the three days of the fair, entitled “Agency: Of Mice, Scene & Machines,” the Project Zone will platform a selection of Northern European contemporary artists, galleries, and institutions, offering invaluable insight into the region’s contemporary art scene.
Highlights from the Project Zone will include Simian Art, Copenhagen, 427 Gallery, Riga; and Edith Karlson and Katja Novitskova, two artists that represented Estonia at the Venice Biennale, just to name a few. With an emphasis on the moving image genre, a number of videos and screenings will be presented by institutions such as the Swedish Contemporary Art Foundation and Kunsthalle Kohta, Helsinki.
Installation view of Severija Inčirauskaitė-Kriaunevičienė, Nuošalė / Offside (2024). Photo: Rūta Šipalytė. Courtesy of ArtVilnius.
Ahead of 2024 Artvilnius, the fair held an open call for a multidisciplinary exhibition, featuring sculpture, installation, and performance. Curated by the Director of the Estonian Centre for Contemporary Art Maria Arusoo, 17 artists were selected from the wealth of applications, which come together in “Path,” an immersive exhibition experience for visitors showcasing a range of contemporary talents.
Beyond the Project Zone and “Path,” ArtVilnius promises a full slate of additional programming and events—from guided tours and public talks to publication presentations. There will also be a number of awards bestowed, including the special Volfas Engelman Prize where visitors to the fair can cast their vote for the ArtVilnius’24 Select Audienct Artist and Gallery awards.
Toon Berghahn, Floating House (2024). Courtesy of Galleri NB, Denmark.
Taking place at Litexpo Exhibition and Congress Centre, ArtVilnius can be understood as an unparalleled gateway into the world of Northern European contemporary art, skillfully contextualized within the international art world. With an emphasis on visitor experience and a diverse roster of participating galleries and institutions, the fair presents the chance for both seasoned collectors and newer art enthusiasts alike to explore and discover a unique range of art, artists, and galleries.
ArtVilnius will be held October 4–6, 2024, at Exhibition and Congress Centre Litexpo,Vilnius, Lithuania.