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30/4/2002

ArtBrussels 2002

Brussels Expo, Bruxelles

From 2 to 6 May, ArtBrussels 2002, the international Contemporary Art Fair, will celebrate its 20th edition as a first class event with worldwide scope. Gathering 145 renowned galleries, ArtBrussels will again be held in Halls 3 and 4 of Brussels Expo and expects to welcome some 25.000 visitors, all of whom will help to blow out the 20 birthday candles

After 20 editions, the originally modest art fair has become an important international meeting place for contemporary art. However, its original ideals are still intact: the fair remains an intimate event, with a select range of participants and renowned artists.

In 1968, the Association of Contemporary Art Galleries decided to launch " Art Actuel " in Brussels, and in doing so, set the standard for one of the oldest art fairs in Europe. While the biannual was targeted at a limited audience, this did not prevent it from quickly attaining an international reputation becoming known as being of a particularly high standard. Attendance of collectors and lovers of contemporary art increases every year.

In 1997, the gallery association entrusted the organisation of the fair to Eric Everard, a professional fair organiser: a big turning point for the fair! Immediately this expert in "the Art of Exhibitions" brought new momentum and life to " Art Actuel ", by giving it a new name, a new image and opening it up to a larger audience. And so ArtBrussels was born. It became an annual event and the property of Eric Everards company, Artexis, which continues to work closely with the gallery association.

The fame of ArtBrussels has grown ever since, getting itself a reputation on the international scene. It relies on the participation of first class galleries as well as an informed public, whose numbers are ever increasing. This 20th edition should not be any different.

From 2 to 6 May, approximately 145 galleries will be participating at ArtBrussels 2002. Like every year, a rigorous and exclusive short list of participants has been drawn up in order to retain the intimate atmosphere of the event. With this in mind, 70% of the galleries come from abroad while the other 30% are Belgian, a mix of well-known artists as well as a variety of young artists from the contemporary art scene. These artists will be exhibited together in the " Young Galleries " zone, alongside the other established artists.

On the occasion of the 20th edition of ArtBrussels, the organisers will present two significant innovations.

A new " International selection committee "
The selection committee now has international members and brings together gallery owners from all over the world: openness and scope are now more than ever the key words. A.Baronian (B), E.Buchmann (D/CH), R.Camhi (GR), W.Chang-P.Painter Inc (USA), E.Conrads (D) J.Coucke-Deweer Art Gallery (B), X.Hufkens (B), M.Minini (I), T.Rumpff (NL) make up the committee this year.

One-man-shows and VIP Guest
In 2002, particular attention will be given to "one-man-shows". The participating galleries have the opportunity to occupy an additional area of 25m2 next to their stand to put one of their cutting edge artists - an established or emerging artist in the spotlight. This initiative wishes to demonstrate to the public that modern art is booming and simultaneously introduces the visitor to its delights. ArtBrussels essentially hopes to showcase the newest trends in modern art and promote innovation.

ArtBrussels is also known for its select range of visitors. These include the sectors professionals, the curators and the collectors who come in their droves to rub shoulders with other well informed contemporary art lovers.

This is why the organisers maintain their efforts in the area and continue to instigate new innovations. Once again this year, they will propose a VIP program to a selection of foreign collectors.

The programme consists of a special welcoming package (shuttle service, hotel accommodation), and a range of cultural events with, among other things, a visit to the Palais des Beaux-Arts, which, last May, provided the chance to see works by Rik Wouters, James Welling et Walid Raad. The foreign collectors will also be entitled to a VIP-Pass, giving them permanent access to the fair, the VIP-Lounge and a free guided tour of the Palais des Beaux-Arts.

As part of the continued effort to increase the size of the fair and attract a larger audience, ArtBrussels will also feature two guided tours a day. Friday is Ladies Day, with free entry to the exhibition for women.

At its 20th edition ArtBrussels intends to exude calm, despite the events that shook the world in 2001, and to display the vivacity of contemporary art on the international markets. An important international meeting place, supported by the most prestigious international galleries and brought to life by renowned artists, the fair is sure to attract a big turnout once again. Success is certain for the 20th ArtBrussels, from 2 to 6 May in Brussels Expo.

From Thursday 2 till Monday 6 May 2002

Opening hours
2, 3, 4, 5 May: from 12 am to 8 pm.
6 May: from 12 am to 10 pm.

Events
Preview & Vernissage (invitation only)
Wednesday 1 May 2002 from 3 pm to 11 pm.

Ladies'day
3 May 2002
Ladies : free access.

Guided tours:
Daily guided tours available to all visitors (free of charge).
Every day at 3 pm and 5 pm.

Brussels Expo
Av. Imperatrice Charlotte Halls 3 & 4
Brussel
Tel. +32 02 4023666

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