Second edition of Italics forum on contemporary art concluded: here's what was discussed

On Tuesday, March 19, 2024 on the occasion of the second edition of FORUM ITALICS, ITALICS institutional network established in 2020 and now involving seventy-four leading galleries of ancient, modern and contemporary art, discussed the evolution of collecting, the need for a system-wide shared language to the transformation of the global market on the change of exhibition spaces. FORUM ITALICS 2024 was held in collaboration with Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo. The event was designed to foster reflections and exchanges regarding the art scene and to discuss the current and future role of galleries as cultural entities. The initiative brought together experts in the field and representatives of leading Italian art institutions and galleries. In the first part of the day, the Forum was held behind closed doors for member gallery owners, who, divided into seven working tables, addressed a number of priority issues for the sector’s agenda.

These were the topics discussed at the tables: ITALICS: an identity to produce culture, moderated by Marcella Beccaria, explored the idea of collaboration between Ancient, Modern and Contemporary galleries, based on the ITALICS network, and reflected on the current identity and goals of art galleries. FUTURE COLLECTIONISM: Trends and Economic Profiles, moderated by Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo, analyzed the reasons and transformations of contemporary collecting, with particular attention to the current generational shift leading to new tastes and ways of enjoying works. INCLUSIVITY BEYOND GOOD ISSUES: Orienting an Entire Sector Toward New Paradigms, moderated by Adelita Husni Bey, examined existing paradigms and addressed the issues of diversity and inclusion, recognizing that these issues affect not only artists and the creative process, but also involve the public, institutions, and insiders. ITALICS FOR THE GALLERIES: A singular resource in a plural world, where ITALICS galleries examined the motivations and needs to work together and network, with an emphasis on listening, participation and discussion to develop a common language. EVOLUTION OF FAIRS AND THE ART MARKET: Responses and Transformations in the Digital Age, moderated by Enea Righi, delved into the transformations of the art market and art fairs in an era when online platforms are becoming increasingly sophisticated and competitive, raising the question of the importance of human contact in business transactions and the ability of fairs to adapt and develop in such a way that the commercial aspect becomes more of an outcome than a premise for their existence. ART AS EXPERIENCE: Creating Meaningful Connections with the Public, moderated by Davide Quadrio, examined the transformation of exhibition spaces into interactive places that allow viewers to be active participants. ART PROFESSIONALS: Recognizing and Valuing Art Professions, moderated by Vincenzo Estremo, focused on the ethical, political and legal tools needed for the recognition and regulation of professions in the art sector.

In the afternoon, a confidential meeting brought all participants together for the PANEL ON SECTOR ISSUES. The panel, desired by ITALICS together with Apollo Group and Angamc - National Association of Modern and Contemporary Art Galleries, involved experts such as Giuseppe Calabi, Marco Cerrato, Franco Dante, and Sirio Ortolani, moderated by Marilena Pirrelli of the newspaper Il Sole 24 Ore. The focus was on solving the problems that make the Italian art system uncompetitive, discussing, for example, tax and bureaucratic reforms. The meeting analyzed the status of these instances in the dialogue with institutions and explored possible scenarios for the Italian cultural system, emphasizing the need for joint and coordinated action to avoid a loss of competitiveness in the sector. The day ended with a meeting open to the public entitled A WORLD ON FIRE: Geopolitics and art: balances and influences. Dario Fabbri, an expert in geopolitics, and Luigi Fassi, director of Artissima, discussed the interconnection between geopolitics and the art system, highlighting how political, economic and social contexts influence the production, distribution and enjoyment of artworks, as well as the cultural identity of a country and an era. This event was held in Turin in collaboration with the Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo, which also organized the opening of four major exhibition projects to the public. The Forum was part of the preparations for the next edition of Panorama, the widespread exhibition curated by Carlo Falciani to be held in Monferrato in September 2024. Belmond, as the main partner, confirmed its support for ITALICS activities also for this second edition of the Forum.

ITALICS is a consortium of seventy-four leading Italian art galleries, established in 2020 during the pandemic with the aim of promoting the culture and beauty of the Italian territory through a national network. Founded by leading figures in the field such as Lorenzo Fiaschi and Pepi Marchetti Franchi, the organization aims to foster collaboration among gallery owners, the sharing of experiences, and the creation of multidisciplinary cultural projects. ITALICS has organized the widespread Panorama exhibition in several Italian cities, becoming a point of reference in the national art scene.

Photo: Clara Parmigiani

Second edition of Italics forum on contemporary art concluded: here's what was discussed

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