Riga Contemporary art fair returns

Program director Zane Onckule believes that although other contemporary art markets have taken place in Riga, this fair is distinguished by a particularly ambitious international component: "Not only with the participants and gallerists, but also with the way in which we address and attract galleries from near and far regions. We are creating this project in dialogue with foreign specialists and gallerists." This is the second summer in which the cultural space "Hanzas perons" will become a platform for an international contemporary art fair for three days. This year, more than 40 galleries will be represented at the Riga Art Fair, showcasing works by more than 100 artists from different countries. The number was similar last year, and Zane Onckule admits that there is no possibility of attracting more galleries and artists due to space constraints: "The building is what it is, so we stick to that number." However, the fair organizer emphasizes that the interest of gallerists and artists in participating in the fair is growing, and she is also pleased with the interest of visitors. Last year, more than 12 thousand art lovers visited over three days. Photo: Santa Lauga / Latvijas Radio No kreisās: Zane Onckule, Elīna Lazareva, Karlīna Mežecka Although specialists, professionals and collectors in the field are an important part of the audience, Zane Onckule believes that this event is equally attractive to those who are still unfamiliar with contemporary art. Last year, the fair was visited by many families with children and people who simply wanted to get acquainted with the current selection of contemporary art in one place. Just like last year, this time everyone will have the opportunity to talk to both gallerists and artists, as well as volunteer art experts, who will be ready to answer various questions and create a dialogue about the interpretation and meaning of art. Galleries from Estonia, Georgia, Germany, Italy, England, USA, Belgium, Romania, Poland, Hungary, Lithuania, Japan, France, Slovakia, Switzerland, Finland and, of course, Latvia will participate. One of the local artists represented at the fair will be Karlīna Mežecka, recipient of the "Kim?" Contemporary Art Center Residency Award. "It's definitely a wonderful opportunity to invite the crowd of people who go to the fair and show their works at the stand," the artist says. At the end of June, the artist's solo exhibition "Veries manī" (Believe in Me) opened at the contemporary art center "Kim?", and runs until August 9. Karlīna Mežecka believes that in a way she is a little more fortunate than other artists represented at the fair, because interested parties will also be able to visit her exhibition, giving visitors the opportunity to get to know her work in a broader context. However, she adds that the fair stand also allows everyone to perceive the direction, style and essence of the artist's work, which can then be studied further in other ways, if they are interested. Riga Contemporary Art Fair will once again offer visitors an ambitious public program this year, where contemporary art will be examined in various contexts by international professionals. Several panel discussions will take place on the role of regional art fairs, art collecting trends and market development, the importance of museums, galleries and private foundations in the art ecosystem, opportunities for artists' professional growth, as well as the interaction of art with fashion, technology and other creative industries. Photo: publicitātes attēlsKarlīna Mežecka, "Veries manī" "Last year, a huge number of listeners came to these panel discussions - people even ran out of places to sit down, and many were standing. This year we expect an equally wide audience, and we encourage you not to be afraid to ask questions," says art project curator Elīna Lazareva. The organizers of the fair hope that its environment will also be conducive to the creation of new cooperation platforms and international partnerships. "I would also recommend that after the panel discussions, approach the speakers, address them, ask them questions that interest you, or don't be afraid to ask for contacts if you have a specific professional interest, because these people are very open. Due to its size, this fair is open to cooperation, friendship, networking, so you can gain new knowledge, new inspiration and acquaintances here," says Elīna Lazareva. More information about the programme of this year's event and registration for free admission is available here.