Vilnius Gallery Weekend 2026 announces dates, invites galleries to join

Vilnius Gallery Weekend 2026 has announced its upcoming dates, marking a new phase for one of the city's most significant events for the start of the exhibition season. The festival, which has historically featured around 40 galleries and art spaces, aims to deepen the understanding of Vilnius's contemporary art scene and encourage regular gallery visits.

This year's festival will place a greater emphasis on the history and culture of Vilnius galleries, exploring the art market and discussing the operational principles of galleries within both local and international contexts. Daura Polonskytė, an educator and curator, has taken on the role of the new festival director. The program will delve into the contemporary definition of a gallery, its role in the city's art ecosystem, and how galleries function alongside artists, curators, collectors, and audiences.

Curated by Jolanta Chockevičiūtė Laurent of the gallery 'Drifts,' the 2026 program will position Vilnius's gallery landscape within a regional and international framework, considering experiences from neighboring countries and the broader European art scene. A key development for this year is the clearer distinction between the main program featuring galleries and project spaces, and a separate program for museums and other institutional art spaces.

The festival will include public discussions, talks with Lithuanian and international art professionals, guided tours, an educational program for families, and exhibition openings. Vilnius Gallery Weekend is actively inviting contemporary art galleries, project spaces, and artist-led initiatives in Vilnius to participate in the 2026 program by submitting proposals for exhibitions, openings, tours, performances, or workshops.