ECADC supported Estonian galleries’ participation in international art fairs
In 2024, the Estonian Contemporary Art Development Center (ECADC) supported three Estonian galleries in participating at international art fairs in Basel, Vilnius, and Cologne. This initiative is part of the ECADC project “Supporting Estonian Art Business,” co-financed by the European Union and supported by the Estonian Business and Innovation Agency (EIS). The project aims to enhance the international visibility of Estonian contemporary art and provides galleries with opportunities to build connections in the global art market.
From June 10–16, Kogo Gallery participated in Liste Art Fair Basel, showcasing the work of artist Elīna Vītola with the presentation “Common Issues in Painting and Everyday Life”. The installation was an immersive spatial experience specifically created for the fair. Liste Art Fair, one of the world’s leading platforms for young galleries, hosted 91 galleries from 35 countries this year and was visited by over 90,000 people.
From October 4–6, Tütar Gallery participated in ArtVilnius’24 in Vilnius, highlighting the work of artist Kärt Hammer. ArtVilnius is the largest contemporary art fair in the Baltics, strengthening connections between galleries in Europe. Celebrating its 15th anniversary, ArtVilnius’24 brought together over 300 artists, 67 galleries, and 15 institutions from 14 countries, and received 23,000 visitors.
From November 7–10, Temnikova & Kasela Gallery participated in Art Cologne in Germany, presenting works by Kris Lemsalu and Sevina Tzanou. Lemsalu exhibited a monumental ceramic sculpture, “Tour of Life”, which explores themes of life’s cycles and mortality, alongside a new porcelain series, “Mum the Gem”, intertwining motifs of mythology, health, and familial love. Tzanou’s paintings combined elements from Greek culture and personal narratives, reflecting themes of identity, belonging, and longing. Art Cologne, established in 1967, is the world’s oldest art fair of its kind, hosting galleries from more than 20 countries annually. This year’s fair saw 45,000 visitors.
Through ECADC support, Estonian galleries had the opportunity to present their artists’ works on an international stage, strengthening connections with influential institutions and cultural networks in the art market. ECADC remains committed to expanding the global reach of Estonian contemporary art, offering galleries ongoing support and opportunities to increase their visibility worldwide.
Kogo Gallery at Liste Art Fair. Photo: Choreo