Art Brussels is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2012. An excellent opportunity to draw extra attention to its strong position in the international art market. The successful formula that brings both young talent and established names into the limelight has made the fair a must for curators, critics, collectors and anyone interested in the new trends in the international art world. This captivating mix, which presents quality work by over 2000 artists from various disciplines, ranging from contemporary painting, sculpture, photography, video installations to performance, has a strong effect on sales as well. Art lovers can buy high quality art for a modest price and collectors can expand their collection with internationally established names.
Art Brussels: a careful selection of international galleries.
The international selection committee selects 170 participants from the more than 400 applications. One fourth of all participating galleries is from Belgium. The others are from Europe and the rest of the world. Aside from the existing zones, there are special areas where participating galleries can present a Solo Show of one artist in particular. The selected galleries are divided into three distinct zones.
*Art Galleries: international established names
*Young Talent: galleries that present emerging young talent
*First Call: young, promising galleries, participating for the first time.
ART BRUSSELS: AN ART WEEK WITH NUMEROUS SIDE ACTIVITIES
*At the fair
*Artist Projects: artists are invited to create on-site interventions at the fair.
*Debates and artist talks
*In the city
*Art in the City: A sculpture project in collaboration with the city of Brussels.
*Film in the City: Art Brussels video and film presentation at the Arenberg Theatre (Galerie de la Reine)
*Gallery Night: Brussels galleries open their doors on Friday till 9 pm.
*Art Brussels Party: in the Wide Gallery with the Cat Club
*Off Programme: In collaboration with museums, galleries, project spaces and collectors, an extensive off-programme with guided visits to private collections, museums and exhibitions, parties and dinners is planned.
THE EUROPEAN FAIR FOR CONTEMPORARY ART
As Capital of Europe, Brussels takes in a very prominent position as a centre for contemporary art. Both cutting-edge and internationally established galleries have found a home in the city. The reputation of the Belgian artists is strengthened by the large number of young artists who have come to live and work in Brussels, presently drawing attention from all over Europe.
Also, Belgium has a high concentration of major corporate collections and private collectors. Add to that its central location in Europe, its atmosphere, the talent in various disciplines, whether in art, fashion, design or culinary delights… and it becomes clear why domestic and foreign art lovers have already highlighted Art Brussels in their diaries. In April, more than 30,000 art lovers (including 35% foreigners) will be present in Brussels for the top European fair for contemporary art.
