Art Basel Secures Seven-Year Grand Palais Contract, Displacing FIAC from October Slot

Art Basel has signed a seven-year contract with the Grand Palais to host a new art fair in Paris during October, displacing FIAC from its traditional home and time slot. The Association of French National Museums-Grand Palais (RMN-Grand Palais) opened the slot to competitive bids for the first time, with FIAC losing out despite its long-standing presence. Art Basel global director Marc Spiegler stated that Paris represents a pivotal epicenter of international culture, and the new event aims to unite artists, collectors, curators, and galleries worldwide while engaging Parisian cultural actors beyond the Grand Palais. The fair's selection committees have not yet been formed, but Art Basel has assured that local exhibitor numbers will not be reduced, addressing concerns from French galleries. This Paris fair will join Art Basel's existing events in Switzerland, Miami, and Hong Kong. FIAC's parent company, RX France, will continue to operate Paris Photo in November. The move comes as Art Basel's parent company, MCH Group, has faced financial challenges in recent years, compounded by the pandemic and competition from Frieze, which is launching its first art fair in Seoul in September. Chris Dercon, former Tate Modern director and president of RMN-Grand Palais since 2019, was approached by Art Basel during the process.