Vårsalongen 2026
Vårsalongen (the Spring Salon) at Liljevalchs has marked the beginning of the Stockholm Art Spring for over a century.
To Vårsalongen 2026, 255 artists have been admitted, which is the highest number since the 1950’s. This year also marked the first time all of Sápmi could apply, and several artists based in the area were admitted. The Jury received a total of 3394 applications, of which 348 works will be showcased in the exhibition. Among the admitted artists, there is a wide spread in terms of age and geographics, from 19-81 years, from Skåne to Northern Norway. Vårsalongen opens at Liljevalchs on February 13th 2026.
Jury 2026
Carola Grahn
Carola Grahn is a South Sami artist from Jokkmokk with an MFA from The Royal Institute of Art in Stockholm. In her work, she critically examines human alienation from nature and the destructive legacy of colonialism that continues to cause suffering both for humans and nature.
“I think a really good Vårsalong should have a bit of everything! Strong emotions, melancholy and humour – in techniques both possible and impossible.”
Carola Grahn
Paul Adamah
Paul Adamah is a multidisciplinary artist working with music (under the name Boko Yout), performance, design and visual arts. With roots in Örebro and a background from Togolese and Mozambican cultures, he works in the intersection between the personal and the political – often exploring themes such as identity, representation and expressions of queer and Black experiences.
“I’m drawn to art that raises questions about the collective, the subconscious and the uncomfortable. Art that both takes up space and makes room.”
Paul Adamah
Abir Boukhari
Abir Boukhari is a Syrian curator who lives and works in Sweden since 2015. With her rich and internationally grounded experience, she has distinguished herself as a sharp voice within the world of contemporary art. In 2005 she co-founded AllArtNow in Damascus, the first independent contemporary art center in Syria, and a center for the Arabic art scene. Since 2019, Abir Boukhari runs AllArtNow in Stockholm.
“I hope to contribute with an artistic sensibility that embraces risk, nurtures experimentation, and allows new artistic experiences to emerge and reflect the rich diversity and experiences within Sweden.”
Abir Boukhari
Joanna Sandell
Wright
I look forward to seeing the works in the upcoming Vårsalong with a jury that I think will contribute with a wide gaze, courage and new perspectives on the contemporary art scene, says Joanna Sandell Wright, Director of Liljevalchs.
“The reason we’re seeing such a great number of admitted artists this year is due to the very high quality among the applications. It’s the first time in 70 years that we make space for this many. This also manifests Liljevalchs as a home for artists, and is proof of a recurringly rich and wide participation.”
Joanna Sandell Wright
Photo: Mattias Lindbäck
Do you want to participate in 2027?
We’ve gathered all you need to know about applying to Vårsalongen 2027 here!
