BERLIN.- From October 7 to 10, the most important art events for the city of Berlin will take place: art forum berlin, the International Art Show, as well as abc art berlin contemporary (abc), the exhibition format initiated by the Berlin galleries. As already in the preceding year, the directors of art forum berlin and the initiators of abc have agreed on the same dates in order to emphasize and increase the significance and the attraction of Berlin as a destination for national as well as international visitors. With the choice of this year’s exhibition and event venues as well, abc is setting an example – Marshall-Haus in the fairground of Messe Berlin, only a few minutes’ walk from the halls of art forum berlin, will be just as much of a discovery for art-loving Berliners, guests and exhibition visitors as the Theater Hebbel am Ufer (HAU2).

abc, founded by the initiators of the Gallery Weekends organized each year in May as a free format between exhibition and gallery event, this year focuses on the complex issues concerning films, installations and the associated aspect of the performative. Curator Marc Glöde, commissioned for this exhibition with the title of “light camera action, selected the works with this in mind. Also part of the abc concept are the yearly changing, always surprising venues with a reference to the events. This year, the focal point of the exhibition will be shown at Marshall-Haus. The building, designed by Bruno Grimmek and constructed by the USA in 1950 as an exhibition pavilion on the occasion of the German Industrial Exhibition, captivates with its airy construction and its long gallery wing. A further venue is the Theater Hebbel am Ufer (HAU2), platform for inter-disciplinary and experimental projects and productions, which will show films and performances as part of its evening programme.

At art forum berlin, this year taking place for the 15th time, leading galleries from the most important art centres of the world will show art from 1960 to today. 40,000 art lovers – collectors, artists, art dealers, museum directors and curators – from all over the world visit the International Art Show. At art forum berlin, from painting, sculpture and photography to installations to drawings, graphics, performance and video art, all the artistic means of expression are represented. Sectors for young art (sector focus) and for cultural institutions and international art magazine complement the exhibition programme. Every day, panel discussions (berlin talks) invite the interested public to discuss with renowned personalities from the international art scene on current issues concerning the collecting and exhibiting of art. (Please find further information at www.art-forum-berlin.de).

The entrance ticket for the exhibition at Marshall-Haus and art forum berlin is valid for the duration of the art show and the exhibition times from noon to 7 p.m. for both events. From 7 to 9 p.m. as well as by booking a guided group tour (at www.artberlincontemporary.com), abc at Marshall-Haus may also be visited as an individual event at an entrance fee of € 8. Tickets for the HAU2 are available at the venue.