RECORD SALES MARK THE END OF ART TORONTO 2006

Toronto - By the time Art Toronto 2006 wound down on the final day of its four-day art extravaganza, some of the dealer exhibitors didn't have any art left to sell. Others had replenished the art in their booths after also selling all the work they were showcasing. By all accounts, Art Toronto 2006 was a hugely successful year for Canadian and international dealers, artists and the approximately 18,000 visitors who attended this year's fair.

In just seven years, the Toronto International Art Fair (TIAF) has proven that its mission of combining a diverse range of outstanding contemporary dealers with unique quality programming is a recipe for success - a success that is best highlighted by the dramatic sales enjoyed at this year's event.

Over 80 galleries, including fourteen first-time participants, took part in TIAF this year, representing 10 countries, including Canada, the UK and the US, as well as several European and South American countries. New galleries participating in the younger Fresh Avant-Garde section of the fair raved about the quality of visitors TIAF draws, and the incredible exposure their galleries received by participating. "This was my first time at the fair and it was totally successful", said Clint Roenisch of Clint Roenisch Gallery in Toronto. "We had great sales to great people and were able to connect with and sell to international collectors that I would have never met outside of TIAF. I will definitely be back next year."

This positive refrain was set right from the start at the sold out Opening Night Preview benefit for the Art Gallery of Ontario that brought together over 1,800 people to view, discuss and purchase art. And the crowds kept coming, giving dealers a chance to interact and develop a rapport with new collectors.

"In a few short years, the Toronto International Art Fair has become an indispensable part of the fall art scene in Canada," said Matthew Teitelbaum, the Art Gallery of Ontario's Michael and Sonja Koerner Director, and CEO. "TIAF boldly represents art practices around the world, and each year captures this spirit with a real sense of excitement. This year's fair was hopping, with collectors, artists and enthusiasts who picked up the decibel level and made this year's fair truly exciting."

"It was certainly a financial success," said Jane Corkin of Corkin Shopland Gallery in Toronto. "But TIAF is also about the success of relationship building. It gave us the opportunity to meet new collectors and talk about our art in a bigger arena."

"This was a fantastic introduction of our artists to a completely new set of collectors," said Albert Baumgarten of Galerie Albert Baumgarten of Freiburg. "We had a number of excellent talks with tremendous potential for us and our artists."

The talking didn't just happen on the gallery floor. The well-attended Power Talks, sponsored by the Power Plant Gallery, were a huge draw and greatly contributed to the Fair's substantial ongoing dialogue on contemporary art and its escalating profile and role in society. Other special projects and exhibitions complemented the commercial activities of the fair and attracted art professionals and enthusiasts to engage with the fair's programming and events.

Central to the success of the fair this year was presenting financial sponsor RBC who has a long history of supporting visual arts in Canada. "RBC was delighted to have sponsored this important art event," said Annette Dukszta, Donations Manager for RBC Capital Markets and RBC Dominion Securities. "It was the best fair yet and we are especially delighted that our RBC painting competition winners have shown and sold so well here."

Art Toronto 2006 was an enormous success on every level and the organizers extend their thanks for the continued and remarkable support and interest expressed by participants, attendees and exhibitors.

The 8th annual Toronto International Art Fair - Art Toronto 2007 - will take place from October 25 to October 29, 2007. For more information, visit www.tiafair.com or email info@tiafair.com.

Art Toronto 2006 was sponsored by RBC Financial Group, Cadillac, the Globe and Mail, Canadian Art, Classical 96.3 FM and Roche Bobois.

Media enquiries:
Jessica Goldman
Applause! Communications
T: (416) 217-0700 ext. 304
E: jessica@applausecommunications.com

Lauren Dando
Applause! Communications
T: (416) 217-0700 ext. 301
E: lauren@applausecommunications.com