Supported by the Ministry of Culture of the People’s Republic of China, the 5th China International Gallery Exposition (CIGE 2008) will take place at the China World Trade Centre Exhibition Hall in Beijing from April 24 to 28, 2008.

 

Entering the 21st century, and driven by a process of grand reform and internationalization, China has made remarkable achievements in its economic growth in the short period of two decades and emerged as a global force. China is increasing its economic and cultural exchanges with all the countries of the world, expecting to witness a period of rapid industrialization over the next 15 years.

 

Host city for the 2008 Olympic Games, Beijing is the cultural and political center of China. Especially in recent years, the art market in the Chinese capital has expanded rapidly with growing interest from abroad and more importantly, with strong growth in the domestic market.

 

New art centers and communities have been growing everywhere in the city, bringing vitality and creativity to areas that used to be peripheral and now house a unique concentration of representative galleries from China as well as USA, UK, Germany, Singapore, Japan, Italy, Korea…

 

In 2004, the China International Gallery Exposition was launched in Beijing, on the purpose of "Internationalism, Professionalism and Futurism", exhibiting galleries. After 4 years, CIGE is considered the most international art exhibition in China and the most established art fair in Asia.

 

Presenting artworks from the 5 continents and over 20 countries, including Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Korea, Japan, India, Singapore, Indonesia, Israel, Spain, Germany, Austria, Italy, France, Mexico, Cameroon … CIGE 2007 has been the most internationally diverse contemporary art fair to date in Asia.

 

Under the strong impulse of the Chinese emerging market and other rising emerging markets in Asia and around the world, CIGE 2008 is a unique global arena for the emerging contemporary art markets.

 

CIGE 2008 GALLERY EXHIBITION

The 13,000 square meter space on the first and second floor of the China World Trade Center Exhibition Hall will host 100 selected outstanding galleries from all over the world, presenting a panorama of cutting edge contemporary art.

 

CIGE 2008 devotes a special attention in presenting the most interesting works of contemporary art now, welcoming and encouraging any form of art expression, including photography, video, painting, sculptures, mixed media, installations, prints, digital and net art, textile, design…

 

CIGE 2008 SPECIAL PROJECTS

Understanding the relevance of technology and globalization on the economic infrastructure of the art world, CIGE 2008 Special Projects invite galleries, artists, not-for-profit art organizations, museums, institutions and visitors to reflect on our contemporary digital visual culture.

 

1) SOLO SHOWS on the second floor of the China World Trade Center features solo exhibitions of 12 artists. In a contemporary world without boundaries characterized by speed, change, interactivity and connectivity, contemporary artists work with a great variety of media, using traditional techniques as well as experimenting new tools of digital culture. SOLO SHOWS presents video and mixed media solo projects by Chinese and international established artists. SOLO SHOWS is organized in collaboration with the participant art galleries selected by CIGE Organizing Committee.

 

2) E-FACTORS positions 10 PCs on the second floor of the China World Trade Center. Considering the emergence of the Internet and the rise of digital culture and technology in the art process and daily life, E-FACTORS displays artists’ software/digital/net projects, animations, video games… E-FACTORS is organized in collaboration with the participant art galleries selected by CIGE Organizing Committee.

 

3) VIDEO LOOPS presents video, film and documentary screening programs curated by 9 Chinese and International museums and art institutions reflecting on the theme of Alternative Energy.

 

4) SUBLIMINALS as a gathering place at the entrance of the China World Trade Center, an active promoter of contemporary cultural models, events and developments in art, presents 12 not-for-sale projects realized by not-for-profit art organizations on the theme of Alternative Energy: realities that usually do not participate directly to art fairs, but definitely have a determinant relevance in the economy of the whole contemporary art system.

 

CIGE 2008 MEDIA AND VIP PROGRAM

Over 100 Chinese and international leading magazines and media partnered with CIGE 2007. Hundreds of media reports on television, radio, magazines, newspapers, and internet enhance every year the interaction and creativity of the event, together with a great public support of Chinese and international museum directors, collectors, art critics, artists, curators, government officials, social celebrities... CIGE devotes a VIP program delivering genuine service for collectors around the world. At the preview, VIP guests are prior to select their favorite artworks. Cocktail party and gala dinner will also be held to celebrate the event and enhance communications between collectors and galleries. In addition to the activities held in the exhibition hall for the VIP guests, CIGE will organize tours of Beijing’s prominent art districts, galleries and art museums, etc.

 

CIGE 2008 Organizing Committee wishes to give all its participants exciting dynamics and possibilities of meeting, cultural exchanges and critical approaches and sincerely welcomes you to join CIGE 2008 to create together a great art event.

We look forward to your arrival in Beijing!