From July 10 to 13, 2025, the city of Riga welcomed a brand-new addition to the international art calendar: the first edition of Riga Contemporary Art Fair. Set inside the stunning industrial venue Hanzas Perons, the fair brought together more than 40 galleries and 85 artists from the Baltics, Nordics, the United States, Japan, and beyond. With its thoughtful curation, accessible atmosphere, and dynamic programming, the fair made a bold statement about Riga’s growing role in the contemporary art world.

A Unique Venue with Cultural History
Housed in a repurposed historic railway warehouse, the venue offered a perfect blend of industrial edge and contemporary style. The layout allowed for fluid movement between booths, and the high ceilings and natural light created a welcoming space for collectors, curators, and art lovers alike.

Highlights and Standout Booths
The fair featured an exciting mix of emerging and established talent. Several booths stood out for their strong conceptual narratives and striking visual presentations:

• CUT ART presented a compelling dialogue between sculpture and painting with emotionally charged and provocative pieces.

• Kogo Gallery combined Baltic voices in a collaborative booth that explored environmental themes and psychological landscapes.

• Galerija VARTAI offered a minimal yet poetic approach, blending sculptural installations with themes of memory and time.

From bold figurative work to abstract experimentation and multimedia storytelling, the variety across booths reflected the fair’s commitment to quality and diversity.

Live Talks, Performances & Programming
In addition to the gallery presentations, the fair hosted a curated program of live talks, performances, and networking sessions. These events invited collectors, art professionals, and the general public into deeper conversations about contemporary art in the region and beyond.

The Atmosphere
The atmosphere throughout the fair was energetic yet intimate. It struck a refreshing balance—serious about art, but not intimidating. It was a fair that welcomed discovery: from young local talents to global voices, every booth offered something worth pausing for.

Final Thoughts
For a first edition, Riga Contemporary Art Fair exceeded expectations. It delivered an ambitious yet approachable event that connected Riga with the international art scene. If this debut is any indication, the fair has great potential to become a key cultural meeting point in Northern and Eastern Europe.

Watch the Walkthrough
🎥 Want a closer look? Head over to my full video walkthrough on YouTube to see the venue, highlights from the fair, and interviews with participating galleries.