The Arts Dot International Art Meeting

KARLSKRONA INTERNATIONAL MEETING POINT FOR CONTEMPORARY ARTS

We bring the world to Karlskrona and represent Karlskrona to the world!

OVERVIEW

The Art Dot was initiated by Lana Leuchuk in 2017 to promote art, bringing together local and international artists to contribute to the city’s cultural development. The purpose was to create meeting places for annual international events with art exhibitions and other interactive activities, where national and international artists, art enthusiasts and businesses can meet, develop cooperations and celebrate art on a beautiful Blekinge archipelago in the south of Sweden. Events were primarily organised in cultural buildings to highlight the unique cultural attractions in the city of Karlskrona and the region of Blekinge. This project focused on supporting and featuring talented artists to show their artworks, building cooperation, and encouraging the public’s interest in art.

FIRST ITERATION

The initial gatherings were festive, informal, and on a smaller scale.

In 2018, a pilot project was launched with the aim of gaining insights and promoting growth in the form of an art festival. This involved developing a format, creating content, finding collaborators and funding a budget. The goal was to become self-sufficient in the long run. The first event took place in August and was successfully embedded within the Live Green Festival and the Archipelago Festival in Karlskrona. Artists from various disciplines—painting, sculpture, textile art and photography —shared their perspectives and techniques. More information about Arts Dot 2018 can be found here.

The Arts Dot 2018

FOLLOWING EDITIONS

The subsequent editions took place in 2019 and 2021.

Attendees of these events experienced artworks from a variety of international and Swedish artists. Among the artists featured were those from Brazil, Spain, Italy, Germany, France, Luxembourg, Finland, Poland, Belgium, and Hong Kong, as well as Swedish artists from Blekinge, Skåne och Östergötland. Among the activities were physical & augmented reality art exhibitions, artist talks & conversations, artist conclaves & cultural tours, workshops & public seminars. More information about Arts Dot 2019, including pictures from the event, can be found here, and from the event 2021, see here.

The Arts Dot 2019 The Arts Dot 2021

LOCATIONS

The Arts Dot hosted activities during three editions at prominent locations, including Hoglands Park, Konstnären & Pinaulen, Wachtmeister Galleria, Skärva Herrgård, Blue Science Park, and Hyper Island in Karlskrona.

Karlskrona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, seamlessly blends history and modernity. Beyond the historic core, Karlskrona offers access to the stunning Blekinge archipelago—a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers.

Hoglands Park has historical significance dating back to the 1720s. It features French-style design, statues, a flower garden, a pavilion, a café, and a playground. The park hosts cultural events throughout the year. It is home to notable sculptures and serves as a cultural hub for the community.

Gallery Konstnären & Pinaulen is a vibrant art space that offers art exhibitions featuring emerging and well-known artists, a cosy café and professional framing services. It’s a social hub where art lovers can engage with the local art scene in a convenient location in a charming district in Karlskrona Björkholmen.

Skärva Herrgård is the historic estate that was constructed between 1785 and 1786 and served as a summer residence for the shipbuilder Fredrik Henrik af Chapman. It is situated by the Baltic Sea, approximately 7 kilometres away from Karlskrona.

Blue Science Park is a hub for research, innovation, and growth, offering services such as seminars, testing, networking, and financial guidance. With over 80 members from academia, industry, and the public sector, it’s a dynamic community passionate about sustainable marine environments, generative AI technology, and design-driven future methodologies.

Hyper Island is a digital creative business school founded in 1996 in Karlskrona, Sweden. The campus, located on the island of Stumholmen, a small island connected to Karlskrona, offers a 360-degree sea view and a positive, open-minded student community.

In 2020, the event was scheduled to take place at a cultural Norman-style building from the 18th century – Vattenborgen, located on the island of Trossö. This attractive venue was a perfect place to gather, exchange ideas, exhibit, and make connections. The event program and the list of international and national participants were ready. Unfortunately, the event could not occur due to the Corona pandemic, so The Arts Dot 2020 was cancelled.

VISIONARIES AND COLLABORATIONS

The driving force behind The Arts Dot was a handful of dedicated individuals who believed in the transformative power of art. The visionaries envisioned a space where artists could connect, collaborate, and showcase artworks beyond traditional gallery settings.

Over the years, all events have been planned and organised by groups of enthusiasts, passionate artists and experts who contributed their time and resources, putting their hearts and souls into producing happenings and art exhibitions. An enormous gratitude to those organisations, local enterprises and individuals for all the generosity and commitment that have truly made a difference!

The Team 2019 The Team 2021

The success of The Arts Dot events was made possible through the generous support of organizations such as Region Blekinge, Karlskrona municipality, Klaura pop-up Market, Live Green, Blue Science Park, Swedbank, Studieförbundet Vuxenskola, Heimstaden, among others.

Sponsors and Supporters

IMPACT AND LEGACY

The Arts Dot ranged from traditional arts to new technology installations.

It included an open, transparent and accessible organisation where emerging talents and established artists with no age limit could join the collective and influence the outcome of the events.

The Arts Dot facilitated dialogues on collaborations and artists’ development.

Through its non-profit association, Konst I Blickpunkt, it continues to support artists and promote arts.

FUTURE HORIZONS

The Arts Dot remains dynamic, adapting to changing times.

As technology and art intersect, it embraces new mediums, virtual spaces, and hybrid experiences.

Its legacy lives on through the friendships forged, ideas sparked and initiatives of the non-profit association “Konst I Blickpunkt” and its members.

More about the association

CONTRIBUTION

Art Direction • Strategy • Project Management • Event Coordination • Graphic Design • Marketing Materials • Visual Identity • Logotype Design • Posters • Flyers • Roll-ups • Booklets • Stickers • Certificates • Social media • Announcements • Website development.