All You Need to Know About Art Basel
First launched in the 1970s by Basel gallerists Ernst Beyeler, Trudl Bruckner, and Balz Hilt, Art Basel is one of the art world’s most prominent players. In fact, the fair has been successful since the very beginning. What first started as a single fair with 90 galleries and 30 publishers from 10 countries has since grown into a global art group, holding its grip on the international art landscape.
In the decades that followed, the fair grew in importance, as the group continued to evolve and expand its operations. Now, in 2022 Art Basel consists of multiple international fairs, exhibiting annually. You can visit a fair in Basel, Miami Beach, Hong Kong, and as of 2022, Paris. The latest addition, called, “Paris+ by Art Basel,” will take place for the first time in France in October 2022. An announcement that shocked the entire art world. Why you might ask? For the first time since 1947, a new fair will take FIAC’s coveted October slot in the French art capital.
The 2022 edition, an exciting program
In order to ensure the highest quality experience and maintain its status as a leading art fair, Art Basel has a rigorous selection process. Out of the thousands of galleries that apply, less than 300 are accepted. The fair returns to Basel on June 16–19, 2022, featuring 289 leading galleries from 40 countries and works by more than 4,000 master and emerging artists, from the 20th and 21st centuries.
The fair’s program is comprised of multiple sections, all available to the public. This includes, “Galleries,” “Unlimited,” “Feature,” and “Statement.” “Galleries” presents a majority of the fair’s participating galleries. “Unlimited” presents monumental projects only, transcending the traditional booth format. “Feature” highlights exhibitions from various artists, representing a variety of artistic backgrounds and practices. Finally, “Statement” is entirely dedicated to solo shows by emerging artists for a chance to win the “Baloise Art Prize.” An award that offers prestige, financial support, and enormous visibility to two winners each year.
