Art Basel 2003: Market Dominance and Selection Process

Art Basel, recognized as the premier art fair globally, received 930 applications from galleries for its 2003 event, ultimately selecting only 270. Scheduled from June 18 to 23, the fair's director, Samuel Keller, explained the selection process, which involves a two-week committee meeting in October, with decisions finalized by the end of that month, followed by appeals in November and concluding decisions in December. The Swiss competition commission found this system to be fair. Among the participating galleries are 38 from Switzerland, 58 from Germany, 24 from France, 22 from Great Britain, and 53 from the U.S. Notable innovations include the introduction of photography on the main floor and a designated meeting area named Art-Lobby, along with two sculptures by Richard Serra. The selection committee features Victor Gisler and others, with Anne Lahumière serving as France's ambassador.