Market Art Fair beyond the booths: Dialogue, discussions and new discoveries

Being the northernmost international art fair in the world, Market Art Fair is the evident setting for conversations about the Sapmi and Arctic art scenes. We put the spotlight on what’s happening beyond the capital cities and highlight artists and initiatives from the Arctic region. The program on Saturday starts off with “Reports from the North”, a takeover by KIN, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Kiruna, the chosen city for European capital of culture in 2029. Kin is one of the world’s northernmost art museums and combines their regional heritage with an international outlook by showing art that touches on the big issues of our time, as indigenous rights and climate change. Later the same day, Southern Sami artist Carola Grahn will be in conversation with Liljevalchs’ Director Joanna Sandell on her practice.

After looking north, the program will continue with an outlook to one of the most interesting countries on the European art scene today – Poland. This newfound recognition is the result of a series of impactful events that have put the country and its artists under the art world’s spotlight. After eight years of domineering governance by the radical right-wing Law and Justice Party, a new liberal coalition was chosen in 2023 with both events having a huge impact on their cultural scene. With the Polish capital located just 400 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, closer than any other EU country, the country also faces unique challenges. Together with the Swedish Arts Grant Committee and with support from The Swedish Arts Council, four invited Polish curators will share their experiences and outlook on the future in a talk on Saturday afternoon.

On Sunday, the talks programme will reflect Market Art Fairs commitment to one of the world’s most impactful organisations, Human Rights Watch. In a panel discussion with Market Art Fair’s director Sara Berner Bengtsson and Måns Molander, the Nordic Director of Human Rights watch, we discuss how art serves as a barometer for civilization – documenting, reflecting, and raising the alarm on the critical challenges facing humanity.

One of the most anticipated initiatives of 2025 is the first edition of Fotosalongen at Hasselblad Foundation in Gothenburg. In a panel talk on Sunday afternoon, you will meet the jury behind Sweden’s largest photography salon. Singer-songwriter and dedicated photographer Eva Dahlgren, together with the award-winning photojournalist Paul Hansen will share how they narrowed down the selection from thousands of applicants to 40 of the country’s most exciting photographers.

In an era of economic uncertainty and market volatility, many investors are increasingly turning their attention to alternative investments. Among these, the art market stands out by not just offering potential financial returns but also the allure of owning pieces of cultural significance. In a conversation on Sunday afternoon, hosted by Market Art Fair’s Lead Partner SEB, legendary museum director and partner of Arte Collectum, Lars Nittve talks about the major transformations in the international art scene over the past 25 years and where the art market is headed.

For the past years, one Swedish artist above all has made her mark on the international art scene and some say she has rewritten the history of art. Now, author Ida Therén has written the first fictional novel about Himla af Klint, which she will give a talk about on Sunday afternoon. In Therén’s talk, Hilma af Klint is presented, for the first time, as a human being of flesh and blood, beyond the myths and cult status.

The program will also feature a takeover by Bildkonst Sverige with artist Annika von Hausswolff and a talk on how past and present meet in Princess Estelle Sculpture Park at Djurgården.