Beirut at the crossroads of the world, the future, and all cultures

The Arab world is witnessing rapid growth in the number of projects aimed at the development of museums and cultural centers in the region, despite a complex geopolitical context. Cities like Beirut, Dubai, and even Marrakesh aspire to become the new hub for contemporary creation and for the art market.

Beyond the clichés, a spectacular artistic effervescence is taking place in this part of the world which is blessed with a rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions.

Lebanon’s unique identity allows it to play a leading cultural role in the region, by giving support to several cultural initiatives that focus on raising awareness towards art and artistic education.

It is within this context that Beirut Art Fair’s 6th edition is being prepared under the leadership of Laure d’Hauteville, Pascal Odille, and Marine Bougaran. It will be held at the Beirut International Exhibition Leisure Center (BIEL) from September 17 to September 20, 2015.

During a roundtable, held at the Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris, on April 16, 2015, under the theme “The Arab World: Cultural Hub of the 21^st Century”, Laure d’Hauteville and Pascal Odille were invited to discuss the challenges and issues regarding the emergence of this new market, alongside Alexandre Kazerouni, teacher-associate researcher at Sciences Po Paris and Christophe Rioux, French writer, economist, and journalist.

Following the great success of its previous editions, Beirut Art Fair has confirmed its place in the international contemporary art fair calendar reviving the image of MENASA art creations around the world.

In September, Beirut Art Fair will place Beirut as the cultural and intellectual capital of the Arab world and a contemporary art hub located at the crossroad between East and West.

The artistic excitement that Beirut Art Fair inspires each year among Lebanese and Middle-Eastern cultural institutions plays an important role in shaping the identity of the fair. It also relies on strong economic and cultural values which expand its artistic offering.

“Lebanon has always been and will always be a privileged spot where dialogue between cultures takes place, a melting pot where different cultural movements come together and blend, creating a wonderful cultural mosaic”, explains Laure d’Hauteville, founder and director of the fair.

Since its creation in 2010, Beirut Art Fair has positioned itself as the cultural label of the MENASA region among international galleries and art collectors.

This dynamic also stems from the collectors’ attitude which is infused with genuine knowledge of art, as well as with an impressive curiosity towards current market trends.

For more information about the Beirut Art Fair, visit their website.