The global art world had long considered Paris a shadow of its former self, with a storied past but a lackluster future. However, the 2023 edition of Art Paris, the annual modern and contemporary art fair, demonstrated that the City of Lights had successfully shaken off this reputation. The event received 350 applications for 134 spots, and prestigious foreign galleries are opening locations in Paris, making it a top destination for art dealers and collectors in Europe. This dynamic art landscape results from a concerted effort between French artists, gallerists, and private foundations, according to Art Paris Director Guillaume Piens.
The rising status of Paris in the art world is due to a new generation of forward-thinking young gallerists, like rising star Anne-Laure Buffard. After working at the established Parisian contemporary art gallery Galerie Nathalie Obadia for 11 years, Buffard ventured out in 2022. Her gallery uses a hybrid model, with a showroom in an apartment in central Paris and exhibitions in shared spaces or rented galleries. She also collaborates with critics and artists to create booklets for each show.
However, there is concern among French gallerists, big and small, regarding a new EU tax directive set to take effect in January 2025, which would raise the VAT tax on artwork sold in France from 5.5% to 20%. Small galleries like Buffard’s fear that it could threaten France’s most fragile art scene, which is also the richest and most enjoyable. Even established galleries like Galerie Templon are worried that the tax would penalize sales of imported art in France and give galleries in Switzerland or London an unfair advantage. France’s Professional Committee of Art Galleries is in talks with the government to find a solution to protect the art market from a higher tax rate, with a decision expected by autumn.
Despite these concerns, Art Paris is a testament to the revitalization of the Paris art scene, and the city’s rising place in the global market. The event is open to the public at Paris’ Grand Palais Éphémère from 30 March to 2 April.