When did the FIAC begin? In 1974.
FIAC returned to the centre of Paris in 2005, at the Grand Palais, the Cour Carrée of the Louvre and the Jardin des Tuileries.
What are its exhibitions sites?
The Grand Palais brings together modern and contemporary art galleries-showing solo, group or thematic exhibitions-as well as the design sector, which FIAC was the first international fair to include beginning in 2004; and the Modern Project since 2009.
The Cour Carrée of the Louvre brings together contemporary art galleries, whose activity is characterised by a prospective approach that focuses on promising creative talent, as well as the Lafayette sector.
In the heart of the Jardin des Tuileries, a selection of monumental sculptures and contemporary art installations, in collaboration with the Louvre Museum.
At different sites, a programme of performances at the crossroads of music, contemporary dance and theatre; in partnership with the Louvre Museum.
What is the Lafayette sector?
In 2010, the Galeries Lafayette Group, the official partner of FIAC 2009, will continue its support for contemporary art and emerging galleries (not older than 10 years).
The Lafayette Sector brings together 16 galleries at the Cour Carrée, chosen by a jury composed of international exhibition curators, and selected for the quality of their prospective exhibition programmes, and on the basis of a specific project for FIAC involving one or two artists.
This programme provides significant financial support for each gallery, and culminates in the Lafayette Prize, awarded to one of the artists presented within this sector. The prize includes the Galeries Lafayette Group's acquisition of a work by the winner, as well as the sponsorship of an exhibition at the Palais de Tokyo, doted with a budget for the production of new works.
The American artist Carol Bove, represented by the London gallery Hotel, won the 2009 Lafayette Prize. The exhibition of Carol Bove's work will be held at the Palais de Tokyo in October 2010.
Which artistic movements are included in the FIAC?
XXth and XXIth century visual arts: from modern art to emerging artistic creation. All mediums-painting, sculpture, installations, videos, films, multiples, performances, digital arts, as well as design-are represented.
Who can exhibit at FIAC?
Only galleries. Auction houses or individual artists cannot participate.
What countries do the exhibitors come from?
In 2009, 203 galleries represented 21 countries; 128 foreign galleries (63%) and 75 French galleries
What are the participation costs?
Participation costs vary in function of the size of the stand chosen by the exhibitor. Added to that are application and insurance costs. Application requests are available on line from 15 January to 23 March 2010.
Who selects the galleries?
The FIAC selection committee is composed of the following gallery owners:Florence Bonnefous, ParisIsabella Bortolozzi, BerlinPaula Cooper, New YorkChantal Crousel, Paris Francesca Minini, Milan Natalie Seroussi, Paris
Why are gallery owners the members of the committee?
As in all international fairs, selection by peers is the guiding principle. Gallery owners have a complete understanding of the art market. They know their colleagues, as well as the specificities of local markets (Scandinavian countries, Latin America...). Since they attend other fairs, they understand what is at stake in this type of event.
How many visitors does the FIAC attract?
More than 80,000 visitors, coming from all over the world.
What is the profile of the visitors?
Collectors, curators, museum directors, artists, journalists, and also art lovers from France and abroad, coming from more than 66 countries.