HELVOIRT.- Dealers are being invited to apply to take part in a new section specializing in a wide range of works on paper proposed for TEFAF Maastricht 2010, the world’s most influential art and antiques fair. The next edition of TEFAF (The European Fine Art Fair) will take place from March 12-21, 2010 in the MECC (Maastricht Exhibition and Congress Centre) in the south of the Netherlands.

Provided that there is sufficient support from dealers for the new initiative, TEFAF on Paper will occupy the upstairs hall where TEFAF successfully launched TEFAF Design at the 2009 Fair. The space there will be increased from 600 to 900 square meters (6458 to 9687 square feet). TEFAF Design, which proved a huge attraction to visitors to the Fair, will move downstairs and will be added to the Modern Section, which will be extended by 1000 square meters (10,763 square feet).

TEFAF on Paper will include a wide variety of disciplines. Drawings and limited edition prints ranging from Old Masters to contemporary works will be on show next to photography, antiquarian books and manuscripts, Japanese prints, paintings and screens on paper, Indian and Islamic miniatures and other works such as wallpaper.

TEFAF will soon start to issue invitations to dealers specializing in these fields. Potential exhibitors can also apply through the TEFAF website www.tefaf.com, by clicking on ‘exhibitors’ and then ‘application.’

The decision taken by TEFAF’s Executive Committee to propose an expansion of the Fair for the second year running despite the international economic downturn is further evidence of its extraordinary success. Strong sales at the 2009 edition of TEFAF helped to reassure the international art and antiques market that demand for the best works remains solid.