See and collect

The 9th art KARLSRUHE!

More than 48,000 visitors were registered at art KARLSRUHE 2012 (last year 45,000). Turnover in the millions, top-class exhibits, and a highly-knowledgeable public shaped the ninth staging of this international art fair. In his sophisticated opening speech, the art fan and laudator Björn Engholm waxed lyrical about Baden-Württemberg as a land of collectors, impressively affirmed by art KARLSRUHE’s figures. “We’ve succeeded once again in tapping into a new circle of buyers,” said trade fair managing director Britta Wirtz. “We’ve managed to enormously extend our geographical radius as well with half of the first-time visitors travelling in from more than 100 kilometres away to appreciate the offerings of the 222 galleries from twelve countries.” art KARLSRUHE got top marks from the exhibitors as well. A survey revealed that 80 percent of them were very satisfied with their business.

“Our motto ‘see and collect’ has been endorsed in the nicest possible way,” summed up curator Ewald Karl Schrade. “The spacious architecture of the trade fair centre with its column-free and bright halls provides the art fair with ample room and creates the background for memorable visual experiences. That’s really appreciated and is reflected not only in pleasing visitor numbers but also in the many successful transactions.”