ArtGenda is an independent European regional network based on the participation of 18 cities surrounding the Baltic Sea and covering 10 countries, hereunder the Nordic countries, the Baltic States, Russia, Poland and Germany : Aarhus, Bergen, Copenhagen, Gothenburg, Gdansk, Hamburg, Helsinki, Kiel, Malmø, Oslo, Riga, Rostock, St. Petersburg, Stockholm, Szczecin, Tallin, Turku, Vilnius.

ArtGenda is a project driven network which aims at creating a platform for young, innovative artists from all arts disciplines. This platform is primarily based on ArtGenda Arts Biennial created in 1996, but current initiatives include a workshop and training programme, on-going exchanges and information programmes.

The starting point of ArtGenda was as a biennial for young artists from around the Baltic region. This was initiated by Copenhagen ‘96 Cultural Capital of Europe.

The second biennial was held as part of Stockholm ‘98 and the third biennial took place during Helsinki 2000. Some 1300 artists have already participated in the ArtGenda Biennial. The ArtGenda programmes cover the following fields: visual arts, photography, theatre, dance and music, architecture, design, fashion, graphic and industrial design, film and media.

The success of the biennial and the obvious need for a permanent framework to encourage and develop young artists, ArtGenda is now developing into an ongoing network with a number of programmes and actions which will supplement the biennial and become a driving force in the future of this European regional scene where young artists are a major resource and factor.