Ecological emergency and youth

Starting a conversation between Victoria Siddall (Frieze, Gallery Climate Coalition) and Fabrice Bousteau (Beaux Arts & Cie) introducing the themes discussed throughout the day. First: ecology. After chairing the Frieze exhibition, Victoria Siddall co-founded the Gallery Climate Coalition (GCC) two years ago, which brings together 800 members in 20 countries, including 300 galleries, 120 institutions, auction houses, exhibitions, non-profit organizations and more than 100 artists, with the aim of together: reducing carbon emissions by 50% by 2030, in accordance with the Paris agreement, and moving towards zero waste. ” We recognize that an important element for reducing emissions is first being able to measure them, explains Victoria Siddall. So the first thing we built was a carbon calculator that was on the website. Most of the emissions from artists come from the transportation of works. We are working about guides and resources dedicated to galleries, artists and museums to inform them of all things travel, transportation, publishing, digital, building energy… Much of our attention is focused on shipping education, shipping industry lobbying and insurance to make shipping rates more accessible to galleries. The discussion also touched on the question of the feasibility of the exhibition, whose ecological footprint cannot be ignored. Faced with questions that remain unanswered by market participants, Victoria Siddall explains: “ I think during Covid a lot of galleries were wondering if art exhibitions were really necessary. Some galleries thought: “We can sell online, do the same work without traveling, it will never be like before”… But it’s interesting to see exhibitions taking hold again. Demand is stronger than ever. We need to see art and people firsthand. Reducing yourself to a smaller model of local fairs is also out of the question. If there were only Frieze and Basel, hundreds of galleries around the world would not have the opportunity to exhibit. Many discoveries were made at the small exhibition. Diversity is important. »

The ecological transition: markets in action

Following this introductory discussion, the first panel discussion focused on ecology. Moderated by Marguerite Courtel, co-founder of the art world collective and expert on the Les Augures circular economy, who supports and advises cultural actors in their ecological transitions, the event brought together Fanny Legros (co-founder of Plinth and Karbone Prod.) , Guillaume Piens ( director of the Paris Art exhibition), Christophe Piette (general manager of Chenue) and Jocelyn Wolff (founder of the eponymous gallery). They address questions about the sustainability and limitations of the art market in the face of problems caused by the climate crisis, and outline solutions for reducing the carbon impact of the market, particularly with regard to transportation and organizing exhibitions.

” We are in a period of inflation, and the art market will certainly be confronted with it. We know that the European Commission is working on new taxes, especially on airplanes. It is certain that regulatory tightening and economic constraints will occur. Natural disasters are getting…