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14/4/2005

artbrussels 2005

Brussels Expo, Bruxelles

artbrussels, a top event at European level

Over the last few years artbrussels has evolved into a major fair in the international world of art, it is inexplicitly linked to its Brussels location and to a country that is passionate about contemporary art. For the 2005 edition a series of initiatives has been organised that promise to make it even more unmissable: a genuine meeting place for international visitors and for the Belgium art community.

To illustrate its commitment artbrussels will collaborate with a number of institutions - Extra-City (Centre for Contemporary Art, Antwerp), MuHKA (Museum for Contemporary Art, Antwerp) and IBK (Visual Arts Initiative) - to provide a truly creative dimension to the event. The intention is to establish a communication platform, where people can inform themselves and debate the role of art in society. The information stand will not just be an opportunity to gather literature about the Belgian art scene but will also show video art. The stand will be located at the entrance of Hall 12.

This year will also see an exceptionally strong programme of debates. Taking place in the VIP area, these discussions will be open to anyone whose interest is stimulated by the range of topics. Speakers will include 11 individuals - collectors, gallery owners and so on - renowned for their knowledge of contemporary art

One of the central themes will be the relationship between art and society, or rather the varied and sometimes conflicting relations, and how they can be reconciled. Without doubt, Belgium is a country where actual or revived visions can grow and it has a particularly distinctive art scene. However, until recently it has lacked an active government policy to contemporary art and the result was an incoherent mix of the local and international that has had a detrimental effect on the art scene. But things are looking up. There now seems to be both the political and organisational will to create a framework that aims to encourage the essential links with the commercial world. For example, the year book ‘Contemporary Art in Belgium’, gives an overview of all existing public and commercial organisations.

The debates, organised by artbrussels, Extra City, MuHKA and IBK, aim to stimulate discourse about the international contemporary art scene from individual Brussels’ players to international figures and organisations.

To launch the discussion, there will be two introductory debates that explore the commercial aspects of contemporary art.

Debate One: ‘How can trade adapt to artists’
Commerce and art often occupies the twilight zone between heaven and hell. The sector thrives on the commitment of individuals, and the value of this compared to a simple entrance ticket is not something that can be ignored. At the same the market tends to standardise art.
How can the market maintain its position and at the same time try to give space and respect to the art world?
In Belgium, a birthplace for art and with numerous collectors, such questions are of particular relevance.

Debate Two: ‘Private collection-public connection’
Conflict between the private and the public is a 19th century bourgeois construction. Does the private not belong to society and does the public not exist as an abstraction?
Are there any connections possible which maintain the tension between the individual commitment and society?
This debate intends to act as a starting point to discover how potential visions and scenarios can be translated into reality.

Moderators: Bart De Baere (MuHKA), Wim Peeters (Extra City)
Panel: national and international collectors, gallery owners, artists and organisers
Language: English
Duration: Debate 1: ‘How can Trade Adapt to Artists’, Saturday 16/4 at 2pm
Debate 2: ‘Private Collection-Public Connection’, Saturday 16/4 at 4 pm
Venue: VIP area of artbrussels
Entrance: free accessible for all visitors of artbrussels

Information
Gerrie Soetaert - artbrussels PR gerrie.soetaert@skynet.be +32 475479869

Brussels Expo - Halls 11 & 12
Place de Belgique, 1 1020 Brussels
Opening hours
15, 16, 17 April: 12am – 8pm
18 April: 12am – 10pm

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