RIO DE JANEIRO.- ArtRio is in its fourth edition, at which point it has been established as one of the biggest art fairs in Latin America, and recognized as one of the most relevant events in the segment, worldwide. In 2014, the fair is being held on September 10 through 14, at Pier Mauá, when it carries on its goal to assist in the development of the visual arts market in Brazil, by bringing to Rio de Janeiro the major collectors, galleries, and artists in the present scenario.

The unprecedented curatorial projects conceived exclusively for the fair are a point of distinction of ArtRio. The 2014 edition of the fair has the curatorships of Abaseh Mirvali, Pablo Léon de La Barra, and Julieta Gonzalez.

ArtRio is already known among the public at large as a unique event, which affords the opportunity of seeing, in a single space, not only works by great masters, but also the works of new artists. In 2013, ArtRio relied on the participation of major Brazilian galleries, such as Fortes Vilaça, Luisa Strina, and Anita Schwartz, as well as renowned international names, such as Gagosian, White Cube, and David Zwirner, among others.

Produced by the partners Brenda Valansi, Elisangela Valadares, and Luiz Calainho, ArtRio can be defined as an important art platform, comprising, in addition to the international fair, distinguished, diversified initiatives, focusing on the dissemination of the concept of art in Brazil, consolidating the market, stimulating and enabling the expansion of a new public, by enabling its access to culture.

Among the purposes of the ArtRio platform are to expand visitation to museums, exhibits, and galleries; boost the number of Art students; foster the creation of new collections; encourage the donation of art work to public collections; restore the memory of art based on the valuation of Brazilian artists, gallery owners, and curators.

The event occupies warehouses 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 at Pier Mauá, covering a total space of over 20,000 m².

“We work during the entire year to have the ArtRio brand attain international recognition. In addition to the work performed with Brazilian galleries, we are also present at all the international fairs. The growth and relevance earned by ArtRio during its first three editions have reinforced the demand for quality artistic events, as well as the existence of a public that appreciates and consumes art. Our focus in 2014 is on bringing to the event the most important collectors, artists, curators, and galleries in today’s market,” explains Brenda Valansi.

“The Fair is the high point of ArtRio, but it is important to acknowledge all of the work done over the year in view of the production of this major event. We want the public to come into contact with Art at different moments, either by way of news articles, or special events, exhibits, courses. It should be noted that in every edition the ArtRio sponsors carry out actions that connect the art to its public, emphasizing the artists’ value and encouraging interaction and integration. A new element to be introduced in this edition is the CIGA Project – Circuito Integrado de Galerias de Arte (Integrated Circuit of Art Galleries), which has as its primary purpose to bring the public closer to the city’s art galleries,” informs Luiz Calainho.

Selection of Galleries
The galleries participating in ArtRio are subject to the approval of a selection committee, which reviews several aspects, such as the gallery’s relevance within its market, the artists that it represents – with or without exclusivity -, the number of exhibits held each year, and its participation in fairs and/or events. The 2014 Committee is made up of the gallery owners Alexandre Gabriel (Galeria Fortes Vilaça / SP); Anita Schwartz (Anita Schwartz Galeria de Arte / RJ); Cecília Tanure (A Gentil Carioca / RJ); Greg Lulay (David Zwirner / New York - USA); and Matthew Wood (Mendes Wood DM / SP).

PANORAMA
With the participation of Brazilian and foreign galleries established in the modern and contemporary art market.

VISTA
Program directed to new galleries, with a project of experimental curatorship. Focusing on emerging contemporary art, the galleries develop innovative artistic propositions especially for the fair.

LUPA
Space for monumental or large-scale works, which must be new and/or developed especially for the fair (site-specific). Abaseh Mirvali is the curator of this program

SOLO
With the participation of artists invited by curators Julieta Gonzalez and Pablo Leon de La Barra, based on a new, different concept created each year.