APCOM

The 13th edition of MiArt, the international exhibition of modern and contemporary art, came to an end a few hours ago. However, the preparations for next year's event have already started. The first step is the birth of the association 'Amici di MiArt' (MiArt's friends): its aim is to support and promote contemporary art - especially young artists' creations - through the formation of a fund. The fund will then buy works shown at MiArt in order to display them in popular public places around Milano.

The association was officially launched yesterday by its charter members during a press conference at the headquarters of Regione Lombardia. Among them Luigi Roth, President of the Foundation Fiera Milano and Paolo Galassi, President of Fiera Milano International. Roberto Formigoni, President of Regione Lombardia, was also present: "We decided to join this initiative with enthusiasm. MiArt is a unique observatory on all kinds of artistic evolution and it plays a key role, as the Italian art market is very influential" explains Formigoni "In particular, Milano is the capital of our country's market: as for international exchanges, it is the most important centre in the world after New York and London".

The initial fund value of Euro 1,000,000 will grow thanks to the activity of fund raising that will begin immediately in view of MiArt 2009. The members themselves will be responsible for the fund raising and they will contribute with an annual fee. A scientific committee composed by art experts will select the works that deserve being bought. Citizens will be able to admire them, as they will be displayed in buildings whose doors are always open to the public (Regione's headquarters, for example).