I am sure you will agree with me that neither the prevailing economic conditions nor their effect on the social climate were particularly favourably inclined towards the first year of the Brno Art Fair or those taking part. All the more pleasing, then, is the fact that the premiere of the event was considered a success by exhibitors and visitors alike. Representatives of the trade public were also of a like mind, while the response from the media was also positive.

The organisation of the project was undoubtedly given much-needed support by the South Moravian Region and the Statutory City of Brno, the event’s well-chosen dates and its venue in unique premises characterised by functionalist architecture, and the breadth and scope of the trade fair services on offer. The Brno Art Fair was also complemented in an organic manner by extremely successful exhibition programmes put on by local museums and galleries, and was also held at the same time that the newly renovated Brno House of Arts reopened to the public.

The concept for the Brno Art Fair adopted a qualitative principle from the very beginning as its fundamental and determining criterion in the selection of the potential exhibitors who were addressed. We intend to apply the same method in the future in co-operation with our expert committee. Aside from this condition, the fair is otherwise completely open to non-commercial institutions, interesting publishing houses, magazines and art companies.

The opening year of the Brno Art Fair was also a valuable experience in terms of determining the scope of the event. We aim to promote contemporary and modern art and photography as the dominant feature into the future, with an emphasis on the work of Czech artists and the participation of Czech exhibitors. Assuring the attendance of the trade public and potential clients from at home and abroad – art collectors and dealers – is to be a continual objective.

The fundamental requirement of quality is also to be the determining factor in the structure and organisation of the fair’s accompanying programme, featuring discussions on the state of the art scene and its operation from various points of view and areas of specialisation, taking the form of lectures given by experts in economics, law, philosophy and art theory, with contributions from the artists themselves.

We are confident that the Brno Art Fair will prove interesting to you, and that you will take advantage of this opportunity of making useful business contacts among gallery owners, collectors and artists.
We look forward to meeting you.

Jiří Kuliš, CEO, BVV Trade Fairs Brno
Marek Pokorný, The Moravian Gallery in Brno