Art given urban escape
After many years at Liljevalchs, the famous Vårsalongen (The Spring Salon) showing contemporary locally-made art is now moving to the centre of town. Why is this and what’s in store for this season? We talked to Mårten Castenfors.
Vårsalongen is a Stockholm institution, with a tradition going back to 1921. The jury choses participants for an exhibition out of around 2,200 applicants, and last year there was 90,000 visitors at the show.
This year there will be around 110 artists taking part. “For many visitors it is the only art exhibition they visit all year,” says Mårten Castenfors, who manages the project at Liljevalchs.
Because of that, it is extremely important that the selection is the right combination of painting, sculpture, installation and photography. That is, a sneak peak into the rich world of art.
So why does Vårsalongen matter?
“Just like Liljevalchs, it is a very strong brand. That means that is attracts both Stockholmers and many people travelling here from across the country,” explains Castenfors.
This upcoming show’s jury consisted of the artists Lena Cronqvist, Berit Lindfeldt och Maria Miesenberger. “In my opinion, they did a great job. They understood what is so special about Vårsalongen as a smorgasbord of art, and they were open to gathering everything at that table. The selection looks really good,” says Castenberg, adding that he thinks the visitors will agree.
The big news for this year though is the location. Vårsalongen is moving to the centre of Stockholm. The reason is that they are renovating their premises at Djurgården, and making an extension to their own building, which was built back in 1916.
AMF Fastigheter offered them a temporary space located in the new project Urban Escape in central Stockholm, and they were very happy to accept the offer. It has two levels with a view over the Royal Castle, and the entrance is from Brunkebergstorg.
“We can continue our almost unbroken tradition of exhibitions, and with a bit of luck we can also reach a new audience in this spectacular space.”
The hope is to open the new Liljevalchs building in February 2018 for another 100 years of shows. But Vårsalongen lovers should not have to wait until 2018.
“We are hoping to return to our regular space already in 2017, when it has gotten through some basic strengthening. Who really wants to break a tradition that attracts 90,000 visitors?”
Words Ida Therén
