Point Art Monaco returns in 2016 for its sixth edition from July 20-24 with a new name and a fresh visual identity. Now called European Art Fair Monaco (EAF Monaco), the fair will inhabit the Grimaldi Forum for the second year, and will once again incorporate the “Jewels of the World” event.BLOUIN ARTINFO got in touch with Renaud Siegmann, Director of EAF Monaco, to find out more about this year’s event.What was the motivation behind the name change to European Art Fair Monaco?The sixth edition of Point Art Monaco, now called European Art Fair Monaco, will return with a new name as a sign of progress. Organized by GIE Point Art Monaco, the event’s name has been changed to reflect its character as a specialized fair in the Principality, whose activity sectors — old and Modern art, rare objects, collector’s items and, with the participation of “Jewels of the World,” fine jewelry — are grouped together under a single title. Like the most important cultural events taking place on the Riviera and around the world, EAF Monaco, the worthy successor of the Biennale des Antiquaires de Monaco, would like to capitalize on its name recognition and develop its brand image.What is new and exciting with EAF Monaco 2016 that will define and characterize this year’s event?In addition to this artistic and cultural diversity, EAF Monaco enjoys international legitimacy thanks to the aura of its exhibitors, who cultivate special relationships with the world’s leading institutions, including the Louvre Museum (Paris), the Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York), the Museum of Modern Art of New York (MoMA), and the Pinacoteca di Brera (Milan).Moreover, EAF Monaco will offer a theatrically designed vision of high-end artworks, from antiquity to Modern art, exhibited by galleries that guarantee their exceptional status. Like an imaginary museum of styles and periods, EAF Monaco is designed to be a walk amidst dreamlike, perfectly conserved objects, with a balanced offer of traditional pieces.What differentiates EAF Monaco from other fairs in the global art fair calendar, and what do you see as the fair’s unique role and contributions?More than ever, this year EAF Monaco is focusing on offering the world’s greatest collectors and museums desirable, prestigious works. The exhibition, which is at the heart of the Principality’s summer season and precedes the eagerly awaited Red Cross Ball, seeks to open up fresh perspectives on “classified” art. What we mean by classified art is museum quality art in the main genres of the fine and decorative arts, from painting to sculpture, works on paper, period furniture, and designer jewelry.This first-class event is ideal for tracking current market trends while celebrating the curiosity and love of aesthetics. This sixth edition will pay a vibrant tribute to the shared heritage of a Europe that founded great art and the Old Masters who created timeless classics.What are some of the events and program highlights of this year’s EAF Monaco that you are most excited about?Under the high patronage of HRH Prince Albert II of Monaco, EAF Monaco also has the privilege of being held at the same time as the Grimaldi Forum’s summer exhibition, “Francis Bacon, Monaco and French Culture,” which runs from July 2 through September 4. To celebrate culture, a special combination ticket will be available for both events at the reduced price of €16.Aiming for originality, EAF Monaco is happy to bring a fresh visual identity and communication media, including a new website based on the themes of prestige and excellence. To conclude, let’s salute the quality of its partnership with the Grimaldi Forum, from its hosting structure to its outstanding architecture and its press office, which was chosen to integrate our media relations.What are the aims and goals for the development and evolution of EAF Monaco? How will these be achieved?The Principality of Monaco, a coveted marketplace to say the least, perfectly reflects globalization and the art market’s new potential in the 21st century. In the same vein, the presence of first-rate auction houses in Monaco, and the fact that others come here to hold their summer auctions, attests to the Principality’s appeal in an area where it has always made news.A socio-economic survey of cultural practices showing that the art market and the hyper-luxury seaside market are increasingly converging, as well as the success of renowned mega-fairs in Hong Kong, Miami, Singapore and Rio, point to a bright outlook for one on the Riviera and for EAF Monaco. As a quintessential Monaco event, EAF Monaco has the honor to work in this respect with a Consultative Commission whose members rank amongst the world’s leading old and Modern art dealers.As goodwill ambassadors, Beck & Eggeling (Düsseldorf), Galerie Bernard De Leye (Brussels), Galerie Le Minotaure (Paris), Carlo Orsi (Milan), Phoenix Ancient Art (Geneva/New York), Sabbadini (Milan), Galerie Georges-Philippe & Nathalie Vallois (Paris), and Galerie Downtown (Paris) intervene on behalf of EAF Monaco, supporting it amongst their colleagues and international specialists.
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