107 Artists Back New Vienna Art Fair Initiative

In the wake of Viennacontemporary's closure and Spark's cancellation, a new project for a central art fair is taking shape in Vienna. VAU – Vienna Art United, a nonprofit association now representing 38 galleries, has released a supportive statement endorsed by 107 artists, including notable figures such as Heimo Zobernig, Renate Bertlmann, and Otto Zitko. Spearheaded by artists Eva Schlegel and Esther Stocker, this declaration advocates for an independent, internationally focused art fair managed by the galleries themselves. The signatories view this as an opportunity to unify Vienna's fragmented art scene and enhance the city's status as an art center. They urge the City of Vienna and the federal government for financial backing and request that former fair organizers prioritize collaboration. VAU aims to consolidate Vienna galleries for a collective fair, with board members including Markus Huber and Thomas Krinzinger. A launch event is slated for September 2026, with the inaugural fair set for September 2027, and discussions with the City of Vienna about funding are reportedly going well.