Today marks the start of viennacontemporary, one of the most prestigious contemporary art fairs of the Central and Eastern European region, where nearly seventy galleries will be featuring their artists.
Every year, viennacontemporary is one of the most important events for Hungarian galleries. This is because while Central and Eastern European art at major international art fairs, such as Art Basel or Frieze, constitutes only a small part of the program, in Vienna, it takes center stage. The art fair, which takes place from 8 to 11 September, is an excellent opportunity for smaller galleries in particular, as many of them are taking to the international stage for the first time.
Around seventy galleries from seventeen countries will exhibit the best of their collection in the region’s artistic hub. While Austrian institutions are, of course, the most numerous, there are also artists from Bulgaria, Czechia, Germany, Georgia, Italy, South Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Serbia, and Slovenia. Ukraine will be represented by three exhibitors: the Voloshyn Gallery, The Naked Room, and TSEKH Gallery from Kyiv, while no Russian exhibitors are listed. Hungary will be represented by acb Gallery, Einspach Fine Art & Photography, Glassyard Gallery, and Kisterem, as well as Galerie Knoll, which is present in both Vienna and Budapest. This makes Hungary’s presence particularly strong, with only Austria and Germany having more exhibitors at the fair.
There will also be guided tours, theater performances, and film screenings in connection with the fair. The focus for 2022 is named Statement Ukraine, a response to the events in Ukraine, and will include, among other programs, a panel discussion on the future of the country’s culture, open to all. Due to Ukraine’s prominent role, Yana Barinova, former Kyiv City Councillor for Culture, has been involved in the preparation of the event.
This year, the impressive neo-renaissance building of Kursalon Vienna was chosen as the fair’s new location. This is also interesting from a touristic point of view, as it is located in the heart of the historic city center, making it an ideal starting point to explore most of the city’s museums and attractions.
When? 8-11 September 2022.
Where? Kursalon Vienna, Johannesgasse 33, 1010 Vienna
Tickets and more information here
Cover photo: Zoltán Tombor: Trouvaille, 2022/Einspach Fine Art & Photography
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