BEIRUT.- Since its inception in 2010, BEIRUT ART FAIR established itself on the international artistic scene with the vision of a ME.NA.SA.-labeled art which shaped its identity and power of attraction. In tune with the centers of interest of international collectors, the fair displays the creation of this region which stretches from Morocco to Indonesia, in its wide diversity.

From 18 to 21 September 2014, organizers will receive at BIEL around fifty international modern and contemporary art and design galleries. Exhibiting artists represent all of the trends of current art and express them- selves through painting, drawing, sculpture, video, design or performance… Confirmed and developing artists mingle and invite the viewer to share their visions of the world, their dreams or their positions.

Underlining its broad vision of art and of its current challenges, BEIRUT ART FAIR 2014 renews itself via new poles in line with the evolutions of the art market: a wing dedicated to Indian contemporary art, a Design plat- form which puts the young generation of designers in the forefront, a studio of engravings which is an invitation to create in situ works, and «video projects» with a selection from Silke Schmickl …

BEIRUT ART FAIR confirms the position of Beirut as the cultural and intellectual capital of the Arab world, at the junction between the East and the West. It is part of the international fairs dedicated to art and serves as a window for the ME.NA.SA. creation which is open to the world.

Following the success of the opening edition of BEIRUT ART WEEK in 2013, organizers suggested a new “out- side the walls” itinerary with the collaboration of Beirut Municipality and Solidere, with monumental works displayed on the streets and in the shops in downtown Beirut. From 17 to 24 September, BEIRUT ART WEEK#2 will make Beirut beat to the rhythm of contemporary art and will invite artists to express themselves freely in the urban landscape of the capital.

“Collectors are the spearhead of BEIRUT ART FAIR. This event cannot exist without them. They are very active in Lebanon”, says Rania Tabbara, collectors’ relations officer. “They provide significant support. They are aged between 35 and 45 and are fond of photography, video, installations and design. This generation traveled a lot and is very curious to discover all the forms of international artistic creation. The new generation of collectors follows its heart. It does not hesitate to go to Paris, London or New York in order to attend a private viewing. Older collectors support the paintings and works of artists who acquired notoriety on the international market.

There is a large Lebanese community in the world, as 14 million Lebanese citizens live abroad and defend their country from where they are. They revealed the artistic scene of their country. Numerous Lebanese artists expose their works in the biggest museums of the world.”

Pascal Odille, artistic director of BEIRUT ART FAIR, declared: “The contribution of sponsors which were willing to support us is essential. These sponsors contributed to Lebanon’s artistic influence on the Arab and international levels. Many encouraged Beirut fair and its artists as BEIRUT ART FAIR falls in the continuity of their action.”