This year, from 3 to 5 October, the 16th International Contemporary Art Fair ArtVilnius’25 will take place at the Lithuanian Exhibition and Congress Centre Litexpo. ArtVilnius is the largest international contemporary art fair in the Baltic States, presenting a relevant and progressive contemporary art scene. Every year, ArtVilnius attracts between 18,000 and 23,000 visitors of all ages. As the only art fair of this scale in the Baltic region, it seeks to be widely accessible and democratic for all visitors – from art professionals to curious first-time attendees.
The event will feature 80 contemporary art galleries and institutions, collectively presenting more than 320 artists from 16 countries. One of this year’s main themes is art collecting practices in the Baltic States. For the first time, private and institutional collections from the region will be extensively showcased, forming an important part of the Focus Baltic programme. The programme is curated by Maria Arusoo (Estonia), Inga Lāce (Latvia) and Sonata Baliuckaitė-Arlauskienė (Lithuania), who aim to highlight the diversity of the regional art scene and its connections with international processes.
As is tradition, the fair’s programme will be multifaceted: visitors will be able to explore the project initiatives space, the sculpture and performance exhibition The Path, the Young Collector’s stand, as well as attend lectures, discussions and guided tours. One of the most significant educational spaces is ArtVilnius Talks, which this year will host international-level discussions and presentations. The programme will be curated by art critic and curator Dr Paco Barragán (Spain) and philosopher and curator Dr Simona Skaisgirė (Lithuania). They will present a broad context of collecting culture – from its historical origins to contemporary practices – and will discuss different types of collectors and their impact on the art market.
The discussions will involve art collectors and experts from across Europe, whose experience and perspectives will provide deeper insights into contemporary art processes and the role of collecting in the cultural field. Representatives of international art fairs, galleries and museums will also visit Vilnius; their presence not only strengthens international connections but also opens up new opportunities for Baltic artists and galleries.
This year’s programme invites participants not only to acquaint themselves with current issues in contemporary art, but also to engage with the phenomenon of collecting – its psychology, strategies, and social and cultural significance. The fair thus becomes not only an exhibition space, but also an important platform for discussions on the art market, patronage, and the region’s place within the global cultural field.
