MOSCOW.-The Moscow World Fine Art Fair (MWFAF) celebrates its fifth edition in May with a return to the historic Manège, the Russian capital’s largest cultural complex from 27th May to 2nd June, 2008. One of the most exclusive and exciting fairs in Europe, the Moscow World Fine Art Fair embellishes the Russian contemporary art market this year, whilst still remaining a world recognised showcase for fine jewellery, sculpture and the fine and decorative arts.

Founded in 2004 The Moscow World Fine Art Fair brings together 82 dealers from Russia, France, Monaco, Italy, Germany, Austria, UK, USA, Israel, Hong Kong, the Philippines and Switzerland. 10 new galleries join this year including London dealers Ivan Lindsay, who set up a specialist Russian Art division in 2004. Other new dealers include Jane Kahan Gallery (New York), Die Galerie (Frankfurt), Artvera’s (Geneva), Erdesz & Maklary (Hungary), Photology (Italy) and Galerie du Post Impressionisme from France.

Over 95% of the returning exhibitors have requested larger stands this year, reflecting the importance of the Fair and its commercial viability.

In an unprecedented move Yves Bouvier, President and founder of the Fair, has invited leading International auction houses to participate. Confirmed exhibitors so far include Bukowski (Sweden), Dorotheum (Austria) and Hotel Drouot (France). Bouvier explains his decision: “One cannot deny the synergy between the dealers and the auction houses. Russian collectors have proven their serious intent to pursue art and antiques, breaking records as they go and we look forward to the benefits of all exhibitors working together.”

The presence of contemporary Russian art is strengthened at the Fair this year with the addition of 3 new galleries from Moscow. Bogema and Galleries Tri Veka and Proun join established dealers including Aidan, the only official Moscovan gallery which dealt in art during the communist regime. Major Russian artists such as Dubosarsky and Vinogradov and Kulik will be exhibited at the gallery XL, which has been active since the beginning of Perestroika, the restructuring of the Soviet economy by the Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev in June 1985. M&J Guelman will represent AES + F and Koshliakov, Alexey Kallima and George Pusenkoff.

The MWFAF is renowned world wide for its fine jewellery sector. New jewellery dealers Harry Winston (New York), Mark Toto (California) and Wallace Chan (Hong Kong) will join past exhibitors Bulgari, Chatila, Van Cleef & Arpels, Sabbadini and David Morris, and Chanel, who return this year after a one year absence due to opening a boutique in Moscow. Russian jewellers Smolensk Brilliant, Jewellery Theatre (Moscow), who won the Fine Art Awards for the best stand last year, and Guriaty (Vladikavkaz) are renowned for their original and extremely fine craftsmanship, and have remained faithful to the Fair since the inception of the jewellery wing. Luxury import houses including Mercury and Louvre also have a major presence at the fair and represent all major names such as Tiffany's, Chopard, Mikimoto, and Graff.

Three fine art prizes will be awarded by art and jewellery professionals from outside the trade, and announced at the Press Conference on Tuesday May 27th.

The awards pay tribute to the contribution of the exhibitors in various categories including the most remarkable object at the Fair, the most influential persona in the art or jewellery industry, and the best presented stand at the Fair.

The Moscow World Art Fair is located in the Manège, Moscow’s largest cultural complex and one of the most treasured and beautiful neo-classical buildings in the city. Designed by engineer Augustin Betancourt and French architect Joseph Beauvais, it is located at Manezhnaya Square near to the Red Square. It was built in 1817 in honour of the fifth anniversary of the victory of the Russian troops over Napoleon and has been likened to the Grand Palais in Paris in terms of its beauty and spectacular architecture.

The Moscow World Fine Art Fair takes pride in accommodating all areas of the art market. Last year 45,000 art enthusiasts visited the Fair, viewing over 6,000 objects valued at more than 1 billion Euros.