VIENNA.- "Vienna’s art scene has finally grown beyond art-historical treasures and I am very happy that viennacontemporary is among this new generation bursting with fresh energy. I’m also grateful for the support from more prominent players, who have been generously sharing their longstanding experience with us. The fairhas established an individual character and, as in previous years, we want to show the best of Austria and CEE.
viennacontemporary stands out in the art market for the highest concentration of Eastern European galleries worldwide and a continuously growing international scope, with special attention to emerging art markets," says Christina Steinbrecher-Pfandt, Artistic Director of viennacontemporary.
From 27 to 30 September 2018, viennacontemporary will once again gather more than 100 galleries and institutions from 23 countries under the roof of iconic Marx Halle. The only art fair to unite the East and the West in carefully curated exhibitions, viennacontemporary stands out in the crowded art calendar as a place for exciting discoveries. Ranging from Austria’s most significant galleries to international top players and up-and-coming galleries, the fair’s exhibitors represent some of the world’s most exciting artists, from the emerging to the iconic. A wide array of special presentations, like ZONE1 and Explorations, as well as sophisticated accompanying events, such as the Talks program and special guided tours, complete the rich offer and make art accessible to every visitor.
"We are happy to support viennacontemporary 2018 in the framework of our cultural engagement in the countries of Eastern and Southeastern Europe. As the leading banking group in the CEE region, it is our responsibility to support civil society and cultural development in the region. viennacontemporary with its outreach into unknown traditions and surprising practices of contemporary art in CEE is a fitting platform for these aspirations. A vivid and free art community is indispensable for modern democracies," comments Boris Marte, Head of Erste Innovation HUB.
"We are thrilled to announce that we were able to secure Marx Halle as a location for viennacontemporary and to fix the dates of the fair for the upcoming 10 years. This shows our unwavering commitment and allows us to focus on the quality and high level of service for our clients," says Renger van den Heuvel, Managing Director of viennacontemporary.
Fair dates 2018–2022: 27–30 September 2018 | 26–29 September 2019 | 24–27 September 2020 | 23–26 September 2021 | 22–25 September 2022
Program 2018
ZONE1: young Austrian artists with solo presentations
ZONE1, curated by Victoria Dejaco (IT/AT), is one of the highlights of the fair. This special section focuses exclusively on the solo presentations of Austrian artists under 40. Dejaco, an up-and-coming young Austrian-based curator, takes on the challenge of selecting the best of her contemporaries. ZONE1 gives pride of place to fresh and exciting positions and never fails to present visitors an exciting array of new discoveries and surprises.
Participants: Philip Patkowitsch | bechter kastowsky galerie; James Lewis | Galerie Hubert Winter; Nana Mandl | Galerie Lisa Kandlhofer; Anne Speier | Galerie Meyer Kainer; Julian Palacz | SCAG; Charlotte Klobassa | Zeller van Almsick; Simon Iurino | 418 GALLERY; Sasha Auerbakh | : BARIL
Explorations
The new Explorations section showcases curated booth presentations by featured galleries. It unites a wide spectrum of artistic practices concentrating on both excellent quality and advanced approaches. The section is overseen by Berlin-based curatorial adviser Nadim Samman (UK/DE), whose fresh take on art has taken him to numerous international exhibitions and biennales.
Talks
Curated by Kimberly Bradley (DE/AT), the daily viennacontemporary Talks program addresses burning questions of the contemporary art scene, ranging from the political sphere and event culture to commercial issues and future speculations. High-profile international artists, curators, critics, museum directors, and collectors share their expertise to shed light on the intricate inner workings of the globalized art world.
Talks will take place Friday–Sunday 28–30 September 2018 at 3:30 pm and 5:00 pm.
Collectors Talks
The Artload “A-live” interview series at viennacontemporary offers exclusive insights into challenges and strategies of starting a purposeful art collection, highlights individual approaches to collecting, and examines ways to use private collections as a means to give back to the public. The Artload platform provides both local and global critical perspectives on contemporary art through its interviews with the most influential people of the international art community. Collectors Talks at viennacontemporary will be moderated by Vivian Gandelsman (BR).
Collectors Talks will take place Friday–Sunday 28–30 September 2018 at 2:00 pm.
Media Talks
For the third year running, viennacontemporary gives the floor to an impressive range of media outlets to voice their views on the contemporary art world.
Media Talks will take place Friday–Sunday 28–30 September 2018 at 12:30 pm.
On Thursday, 27 September 2018, viennacontemporary will host special events of our partners, such asa keynote event organized in collaboration with the International Art Market Studies Association (TIAMSA), and a book presentation complemented by a talk about the AWAY initiative. Since 2016, the project around residencies sheds light on the renowned international residency program of the Austrian Federal Chancellery, which has been assisting local artists in working abroad since the 1980s. With its extensive website, AWAY has taken a lead role as information and participation platform surrounding the topic of artists in residence.
Family
The Family program at viennacontemporary offers children playful access to contemporary art. It is a platform for uninhibited painting and handicraft, encouraging young visitors to freely unfold their fantasy and creativity. Full-day workshops on Friday–Sunday 28–30 September 2018, no registration required.
curated by_2018: VIENNALINE
Since its foundation ten years ago, the curated by_ gallery festival has evolved into a central, vital contemporary art event that – supported by selected galleries based in Vienna – has become an international calling card for the city. In 2018, the city of Vienna itself, with its historical and current potentials with regard to contemporary art, takes center stage as the festival’s main theme, which will be reflected on in more than twenty exhibitions at various galleries.
Run: 14 September–13 October 2018.
Opening times: Tuesday–Friday 11:00 am–6:00 pm, Saturday 11:00 am–3:00 pm.
