Photo – courtesy of Gabrielius Jauniškis © ArtVilnius’24
Where does a collection begin? Can anyone become a collector? What art collections are housed in the Baltic states? These and many more questions about the art market will be explored at the 16th international contemporary art fair “ArtVilnius’25,” taking place on October 3–5 at the Lithuanian Exhibition and Congress Center “Litexpo.” From March 5, art galleries are invited to submit applications to participate.
This year, “ArtVilnius’25” shifts its focus to the Baltic region, expecting an increased presence of galleries from Latvia, Estonia, and the neighboring Scandinavian and Northern European countries. Each year, the fair hosts around 70 art galleries and institutions from more than 20 countries worldwide.
Photo – courtesy of Andrej Vasilenko © ArtVilnius’24
“Collecting is an essential and relevant part of the art market ecosystem. The primary goal of ‘ArtVilnius’ is to cultivate the tradition of art collecting and educate the public. That’s why it is important to showcase the finest Lithuanian and international art collections,” says Diana Stomienė, head of “ArtVilnius’25” and president of the Lithuanian Art Gallerists’ Association.
The fair organizers encourage galleries to submit applications and approach the theme of collecting from diverse perspectives—presenting collections of one, two, or several artists. Submissions are also welcome from galleries and artists interested in participating in the exhibition “Takas.” As always, special conditions will be offered to emerging galleries.
Photo – courtesy of Gabrielius Jauniškis © ArtVilnius’24
“We aim to attract and select the best galleries, foster competition, and openly discuss commerce and the core essence of the fair—the necessity and value of buying art from galleries. We will invite collectors and gallerists to engage in discussions on these topics and encourage art enthusiasts to discover new artists and begin their personal collections with ‘ArtVilnius’25,'” adds the fair’s artistic director, Sonata Baliuckaitė.
“ArtVilnius’25” will present a dynamic and cutting-edge contemporary art scene at “Litexpo,” offering opportunities to meet Lithuanian and international collectors, leading galleries, artists, curators, and representatives from art institutions.
The program will feature the Project Zone, the sculpture, installation, and performance exhibition “Takas,” the return of the Young Collector’s Stand, as well as talks, lectures, and discussions on art collecting. Guided tours with art critics will also be available.
This year, the Project Zone will be curated by three distinguished curators: exhibition curator and playwright Maria Arusoo (head of the Estonian Contemporary Art Center and commissioner of the Estonian Pavilion at the 60th Venice Biennale), international exhibition curator Inga Lāce from Latvia, and Lithuanian curator and “ArtVilnius’25” artistic director, Sonata Baliuckaitė.
Photo – courtesy of Gabrielius Jauniškis © ArtVilnius’24
Photo – courtesy of Mika Savičiūtė © ArtVilnius’24
The Project Zone will highlight significant private and institutional contemporary art collections from Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. The three Baltic curators will also select the most compelling applicants for the “Takas” exhibition, assembling a collection of outdoor artworks.
A major innovation this year is the relocation of “Takas” from the gallery zone to the outdoor spaces of “Litexpo.” “ArtVilnius’25” invites artists to propose large-scale artworks and installations suitable for open-air display, with the potential to become permanent public art pieces.
With 12,000 square meters of exhibition space, “Litexpo” provides a vast creative playground for the fair’s architects, allowing galleries to showcase their works in spacious, thoughtfully designed stands.
Photo – courtesy of Andrej Vasilenko © ArtVilnius’24
Photo – courtesy of Gabrielius Jauniškis © ArtVilnius’24
Applications Now Open
Applications for the “ArtVilnius’25” art fair, taking place on October 3–5, are open from March 5. Simultaneously, the call for entries for the sculpture, installation, and performance exhibition “Takas” is also announced. The deadline for submissions is May 30.
