The Chairman of The Melbourne Art Foundation [MAF], Ken Fehily, today announced it had signed a management agreement with UK based Single Market Events Limited [SME] and its associated Australian company, Art Fairs Australia Pty Ltd [AFA], retaining AFA as MAF’s agent to assist with the planning and management of the Melbourne Art Fairs from 2014 to 2032.
 


SME is the founder and part owner of Art Hong Kong, is part of the Art Basel Group and is recognised as one of the world’s most innovative and experienced independent event companies.



Ken said “The Melbourne Art Fair 2012, directed by the talented Emilly-Rose Davis and Laetitia Prunetti, remains as is, and is on course to be the most successful in MAF’s history. Gallery registrations are at capacity and there is an exciting week long program that will be released soon. The Fair looks set to once again be the most well attended visual arts event in Australia over its duration.



“For the 2014 Fairs and beyond, SME’s founder, Tim Etchells, and his team will assist MAF in relation to MAF’s ongoing management and operation of the Melbourne Art Fair. Both organisations will be working together collaboratively at a strategic and operational level on a continuing basis to ensure great Fairs that work for artists, their galleries and art lovers.
 


“MAF will remain a not for profit organisation and will continue with its mission to promote living artists and contemporary art.



“MAF, including its Australian Commercial Galleries Association board representatives, will have the lead role on the Fair’s curatorial committee ensuring the high standard of previous Fairs continues.



“We are looking forward to working with Tim and his AFA director, Francesca Valmorbida, to continue to build on the strength of the Melbourne Art Fair. With AFA’s assistance, we will provide Australian artists and galleries with broader international exposure and an opportunity to exhibit alongside their overseas peers. 



“The MAF board is a cohesive and highly talented, diverse and energetic board of directors committed to the furtherance of contemporary art in Australia – it will be great working with a similarly driven organisation in AFA.

“A key part of our management agreement with SME and AFA sees them bringing their exceptional international experience and connections in the art world to the Melbourne Art Fair. We think that this is a great outcome for Australian artists, galleries, collectors and anyone who has or will have an interest in art.
 


“Our art institutions will have some of the best international art on their door steps and the entire arts sector will benefit from increased traffic from local and overseas visitors.



“Australians who have an interest in art will have a stronger Fair, and artists will have access to Australian and international galleries and collectors. We are taking the Melbourne Art Fair to a new level, and we hope to win many more people as lovers of art.
 


“Right now we and our Fair co-directors, Emilly-Rose Davis and Laetitia Prunetti, are focused on delivering a great 2012 Fair. We will begin formally engaging with AFA at the end of this year” Ken Fehily said.



Melbourne Art Fair 2012 will feature over 70 leading national and international gallery exhibitions from across Australia and New Zealand, as well as from Japan and Germany.
 


The Melbourne Art Fair 2012 Program will include a public Lecture and Forum Program featuring artists, curators, writers and international guests; the Amanda Marburg Education Space; Collector Programs; free Guided Tours; an on onsite Media Hub; Project Rooms sponsored by MAF, exhibiting emerging and independent artists and artspaces; and the 2012 Melbourne Art Foundation Artist Commission.

Carolyn Logan
0400 441 025