Introduction

The Baltic Triennial is one of the most important contemporary art events in the Baltic region, presenting work by artists from Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and international practitioners. Established in 1979, the triennial has evolved from its origins as a showcase for Baltic graphic art to a significant platform for examining contemporary art practices within specific cultural, political, and aesthetic contexts.

Organized by the Contemporary Art Centre (CAC) in Vilnius, the triennial provides a vital forum for exploring the complex histories and current realities of the Baltic states while fostering international dialogue. With each edition, the event serves as a critical lens through which to examine the region's artistic landscape in relation to global contemporary art discourses.

Narrative & Themes

Each edition of the Baltic Triennial is developed around a specific thematic framework, providing artists and curators with an opportunity to engage with pressing contemporary issues. Recent editions have explored themes such as post-Soviet identity, globalization, ecological concerns, speculative futures, and the politics of imagination, reflecting the Baltic region's complex historical and geopolitical position.

The triennial consistently emphasizes experimental and research-based practices, privileging process over product and fostering interdisciplinary approaches to art-making. By providing a platform for both established and emerging artists, it plays a crucial role in supporting the development of contemporary art in the Baltic states while connecting local artistic communities with international networks.

While rooted in the specific context of the Baltic region, the triennial addresses universal concerns, creating space for reflection on shared global challenges. This dual focus allows the event to function as both a localized investigation of Baltic cultural identity and a node within the broader international contemporary art ecosystem.

History & Context

The Baltic Triennial was established in 1979 in Vilnius, then part of the Lithuanian Soviet Socialist Republic, as an exhibition of Baltic graphic art. Following Lithuania's independence in 1990, the triennial underwent a significant transformation, expanding its scope to encompass a broader range of contemporary art practices and establishing stronger international connections.

Under the stewardship of the Contemporary Art Centre (CAC), which was founded in 1992, the triennial has evolved into one of the most important recurring art events in the Baltic region. Throughout its history, it has reflected the rapid sociopolitical and cultural changes experienced by the Baltic states during their transition from Soviet rule to European Union membership.

Exhibition Venues

The Contemporary Art Centre (CAC) in Vilnius serves as the primary venue for the Baltic Triennial. Housed in a modernist building from the Soviet era, the CAC offers expansive exhibition spaces capable of accommodating diverse artistic practices, from large-scale installations and immersive environments to performance, film, and new media works.

In recent editions, the triennial has expanded beyond the CAC to incorporate additional venues throughout Vilnius, including the National Gallery of Art, Vilnius Academy of Arts, and various historical buildings, public spaces, and alternative art spaces. This distributed model encourages visitors to explore the city while experiencing contemporary art in diverse contexts, from white cube galleries to unconventional and historically significant locations.