The French International Contemporary Art Fair (FIAC) has been undergoing a deep transformation for its new edition scheduled between October 25th and 30th 2000. Organisers have taken a spectacular and unprecedented decision in asking exhibitors to show the works of only one artist. Such decision was seen as an effort aimed at silencing those many art critics who felt that the FIAC was not fulfilling its role when it came to promote young artists as most exhibitors were merely banking on dead modern artists to eschew possible financial losses in participating in that fair.
It would be wrong to assume that the sector of Contemporary art has been forsaken in France as creators are however much active. However, only a few have succeeded in receiving the backing of certain galleries so far.
The Contemporary art market has been quite under the domination of Anglo-Saxon galleries for over two decades while Paris has not been in a position to regain its number one status despite its role in the development of Modern art and the fact that its School of Beaux-Arts has not lost much of its aura.
There are many promising artists in the French capital, as well as many foreigners who still feel it's a priority to complete their studies there but most gallery-owners, contrary to their counterparts of the 1920s such as Zborowski, Kahnweiler or Vollard, have only been banking on those who are known internationally thus taking little risks with young ones.
Today the market operates under the signs of money-making, marketing and happening and there is little room for risky business. Taking stock of such situation some art critics would readily go against democracy by requesting the ministry of Culture to induce galleries to devote a certain amount of their profits in favour of young promising artists.
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