SHANGHAI FINE JEWELLERY AND ART FAIR TO OPEN ON MAY 16 – 23, 2010

The second edition of The Shanghai Fine Jewellery and Art Fair comes to the historic Shanghai Exhibition Centre this Spring between May 16 and May 23, 2010.

For eight days, Shanghai’s Exhibition Centre will be transformed into an art-lover’s paradise. Ornate Louis XIV furniture will stand alongside exquisite 18th century carpets and tapestries from the Middle and Far East, whilst gleaming emeralds and exquisite brooches will mesmerize even the most jaded art fair attendee. Be it Renoir’s depictions of 19th century Paris, seminal works by Picasso or works by Chinese modern and contemporary masters, SFJAF 2010 will cater to all tastes and interests. SFJAF will be a glittering event in all senses of the word, as some of the world’s most prestigious jewelers and art dealers descend on Shanghai.

Shanghai’s flourishing arts and cultural scene matches its economic growth, making the city an obvious location for a Fair of this calibre. The city has become synonymous with opportunity and the art market is no exception. Local and international dealers are quickly responding to not only a relatively new Chinese spending power, but also to an international clientele who recognise the city as a premiere destination for the acquisition of art and antiques. The aim of SFJAF 2010 is to bring these groups together and to showcase the best of Asian and Western art.

The 2010 WORLD EXPO, also opening in May, will draw the world’s attention to Shanghai, with around 70 million visitors expected to attend the six month-long event. Whether coming to SFJAF 2010 to buy, sell or just browse, there can be no better time to experience Shanghai and all it has to offer. Over forty Chinese and international art dealers and fine jewellers specializing in a full range of genres and periods – including paintings, sculpture, furniture and collectables, tapestries and carpets, as well as unique piece of fine jewellery – will showcase their art. Participants include Parisian gallerist Jacques Barrère who focuses on Asian sculpture, and Jean-François Cazeau whose collection of Modern Paintings is unparalleled. Also in attendance will be Thomas Färber from Geneva who is internationally acclaimed in the field of Ancient Jewellery, and Pearl Lam’s Contrast Gallery, located in Shanghai, Beijing and Hong-Kong.

For the second year running, SFJAF 2010 is curated by Xing Xiaozhou. Fair Presidents Nicolo Fillipo Mori and Maximin Berko said: “SFJAF 2010 represents a wonderful opportunity for cultural exchange between East and West. We’re excited to have a real mix of both Asian and international exhibitors, a balance that will surely be reflected in the Fair’s clients. We’re proud to offer such potential and quality to visitors and look forward to introducing art connoisseurs to Shanghai’s richness, diversity and opportunity”. The young and dynamic organisers bring an international perspective to the event: Berko, now based in Shanghai, is of the prominent Belgian family of art dealers, whilst Italian businessman Mori offers successful, European business acumen to the project. An international committee of recognized experts will vet works to be presented, guaranteeing quality, buyers’ confidence and choice.

SFJAF will take place in the impressive Shanghai Exhibition Centre. Built in 1955, the Russian Classical style building is located at the heart of the city. The Fair will be divided across two floors of the building, the first dedicated to Modern and Contemporary art, and the second to Antique and Ancient art. Fine jewellers will be situated in the corners of each space. SFJAF 2010 offers several dining and refreshment options, including two café bars, a relaxed brasserie and more gourmet restaurant.

The Fair will be complemented by a programme of educational events in a specially dedicated area, including lectures, seminars and conferences. SFJAF 2010 will open on 16 May with a spectacular gala dinner attended by special guests, international curators and collectors, and close on 23 May 2010.

China’s Five Year Plan for Art and Culture
The Chinese government has listed culture and art industry in the national “11th Five Years Plan”. Art exhibition belongs to culture and creative industry, the industry with the most potential in the 21st century with daily productivity of USD 22 billion. In 2007, the market value of Chinese oil painting and contemporary arts was RMB 6.647 billion, with a highest growth rate of 32.43% compared with that in 2006. Additionally, the number of Chinese art collectors and fans reach 70 million in 2008, occupying 6% of the whole country’s people, and the people and deal amounts are increasing by the speed of 10%-20% annually. According to the experts’ analysis, China’s art investors and collectors mainly spread in major developed economic zones such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangdong and their subsidiary areas, which echo the data of China’s Personal Wealth Report of 2009 issued by China Merchant Bank and Bain Company.

Information for Editors :
SFJAF is supported by key partners Bund 18 and the Chinese International Cultural
Exchange Association. Bund18 is a Hong Kong based real estate group and a Luxury
lifestyle and Art platform with headquarters on Shanghai’s historic Bund. The
Chinese International Cultural Exchange Association has close connections with
the Chinese government.
Dates : 16-23 May 2010
Venue : Shanghai Exhibition Centre, 1000 Yan’an Road, Shanghai.
Admission Cost : 80 RMB