Artbrussels 2006
Gerrie Soetaert
Artbrussels 2005 was a vintage year; a true Grand Cru. Thanks to the selection of 132 established and 14 first-time galleries, Artbrussels has continued to succeed in strengthening its position in internationally-ranked contemporary art fairs. The 23rd edition closed with a record-breaking 32,143 visitors. An impressive increase of foreign collectors, critics, curators and other professionals brought the figure of international visitors to 7,028, an increase of more than 20 percent.
The high level of art on display at Artbrussels overwhelmingly impressed the 600 V.I.P. guests. The number of interesting contacts and good sales figures made it a positive experience for the participating galleries.
The exceptional international character and the legendary chilled-out ambience of Artbrussels always make this show the "place to be." Whether they are from Brussels or far beyond, anyone who feels at home in the world of contemporary art feels at home in Artbrussels–the place to truly celebrate a passion for art.
The European platform for contemporary art
As the capital of Europe, Brussels has rapidly become one of the most cosmopolitan and multicultural places on the continent. The diversity and character of the different communities provides an endless source of inspiration for the many international artists who come to live in Brussels. The city is fast becoming an exciting creative laboratory with a tempting dynamic fusion of artistic talents and ideas.
Belgium is a country that can be proud of the number of its art collectors whose artistic vision is unrivalled abroad. Moreover, many Belgian companies have made their passion for contemporary art one of the pillars of their corporate culture. In Belgium, contemporary art is mostly a matter of private initiative.
It is precisely this rich combination of private initiative and professionalism that sees galleries, collectors and public institutions working together to give Artbrussels its unique character.
More than any other event in Belgium, Artbrussels is a show that, year after year, manages to hold the attention of the entire art world. A place where foreign galleries and artists find an ideal platform to present themselves to Belgian collectors.
Change and renewal, the key to success
A small and good selection
The reduction in participating galleries certainly improved the homogeneity and clarity of the fair. In 2006, a rigorous selection process will also be applied, with a strong focus on contemporary visual arts and further reduction of the number of participating galleries.
Space
Once again, Artbrussels will take place in Halls 11 and 12 of Brussels Expo. The redesigned entrance hall and the new architectural plan guarantee a better welcome.
Short and focused timing
Artbrussels opens its doors in April 2006, from the 21st to 24th, with Preview and Vernissage on the 20th. A shorter fair has proven to improve the enthusiasm of the collectors and the atmosphere in the fair.
"First Call"–more attention to creative starters
Alongside the established galleries and artists, for the second time in a row, there will be a special opportunity for new creative talent as Artbrussels dedicates rising stars their own space, "First Call."
Through the financial support of a sponsor, 14 galleries will be able to participate in the show at the "starter’s rate." Participation in "First Call" is limited to invited galleries only.
"Young zone"
This zone is reserved for 25 galleries who dedicate their exhibiting space to the work of three to five non-established artists.
Twenty selected "One-man shows"
The 2006 programme of "one-man shows" guarantees to reflect the innovative nature of the whole fair. A maximum of 20 projects from established or young galleries will be selected to exemplify the most recent developments in contemporary art. This is the part of the fair that is particularly interesting to art collectors, museums and the press.
An exciting "OFF" programme
Also in 2006, there will be an attractive "OFF" programme for exhibitors and visitors with a keen interest in the market, thanks to a series of private visits to museums, corporations and other private collections.
Information platform and debates in the fair
Together with the relevant institutions, Artbrussels dedicated an entire platform to information on the national art scene. This experiment, which attracted many national and foreign museum directors, curators, artists and critics, was very successful and will be continued in 2006.
