The modern and contemporary art market: Italy in the European and worldwide scenario

The modern and contemporary art market: Italy in the European and worldwide scenario

The modern and contemporary art market: Italy in the European and worldwide scenario

26/01/2016

Saturday 30 January
11.30 – 13.00
Arte Fiera - Bologna
SALA BOLERO, Block B 1st floor Service Center  Costituzione entrance

Speakers:

  • Annamaria Gambuzzi, President of the National Association of Modern and Contemporary Art Galleries
     
  • On. Roberto Rampi, Culture Commission, Chamber of Deputies
     
  • Dott. Francesco Scoppola, General Office of Fine Arts and Landscape, Ministero dei beni e delle attività culturali e del turismo (MiBACT)
     
  • Aldo Bassetti, collector, President of Associazione Amici di Brera
     
  • Carlo Orsi, President of Associazione Antiquari d’Italia
     
  • Avv. Giuseppe Calabi, Partner CBM & Partners
     

Moderator: Marilena Pirrelli, Il Sole24ore


Art is simultaneously a cultural and economic resource, associated with a range of activities that could play a role of great importance for the Italian economy (it is estimated that in 2014 the sector generated 2.8 million jobs on an international level). But this sector is not exploited and attributed value in Italy as it is in other countries.Faced with overall sales in constant growth (estimated by the TEFAF Art Market Report 2015 as about 51 billion euros), in Italy the market does not grow and sector professionals are hampered by burdensome regulatory limitations and arbitrary administrative action unparalleled elsewhere in Europe.

The valorization of art, especially in the modern and contemporary sector, must necessarily involve the international circulation of works, first of all to encourage enjoyment and knowledge on the part of the public, but also to permit study on the part of critics, leading to quotation on the market.Just consider the case of the French Impressionists, and the way international trade of their works has made them a universal legacy.

In Italy the circulation (and thus the market) of artworks is forcefully limited by excessively rigid, obsolete regulation, and by slow, overly complex bureaucratic and administrative processes. These limitations hamper the market and prevent the circulation of works owned by many collectors who avoid lending them for exhibitions and cultural events – on a national and international level – so as not to draw them to the attention of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, depriving the public of the opportunity to enjoy these artworks.

At the same time, many galleries and sector professionals are closing or, in the best cases, moving abroad where the conditions of activity in the art sector are more favorable. This has economic repercussions on the entire industry, which in the fields of restoration, transport, art advisors etc., could create a significant number of jobs. To date, the real consequences are seen in the overcrowding of administrative courts filled with pending lawsuits, in a permanent conflict between citizens/businesses and the public administration.

This workshop sets out to create a moment of discussion among the main stakeholders, to approach open legislative issues in the light of the European and international scenario, in line with the objective of enhancing and promoting our artistic heritage.