viennacontemporary 2018 Opens with Eastern Europe Focus and Collector Outreach

viennacontemporary runs from September 27 to 30 at Marx Halle in Vienna, with a focus on Eastern Europe and a special spotlight on Armenia this year. The fair allocates 30% of exhibitors to Austrian galleries, 30% to EU participants, and the rest internationally. Artistic director Christina Steinbrecher Pfandt emphasizes attracting new European and American buyers through a strong VIP program and collaboration with local collectors, who open their collections and homes. Talks curated by Kimberly Bradley and collector discussions led by Vivian Gandelsman foster dialogue. The fair notes an increase in collectors from the US, South America, and Asia, while maintaining a base from German-speaking Europe, Belgium, Switzerland, and the UK. Selection is handled by a team and an admission committee. This year, viennacontemporary overlaps with Art Berlin due to a scheduling conflict, but organizers say it is a one-time occurrence and they coordinate to avoid future clashes.